Language Implementation Body

HL Deb 10 July 2003 vol 651 c47WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made representations to the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning that government's decision to cut by 16 per cent the budget of the Language Implementation Body for 2003; if they have, in what form, on what date, and what was the result. [HL3315]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The budget for the North/South Language Implementation Body for 2003 was agreed by the two governments on 26 February 2003 under the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two governments dated 19 November. Prior to the approval by the two governments the proposed budget was the subject of consultation between the relevant departments North and South and was agreed by the Finance Ministers North and South. As the noble Lord is aware, the Secretary of State raised the issue of funding for the North/South Language Body at the meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference on 20 May, and work is now underway to change the funding.