HL Deb 19 November 2003 vol 654 cc325-6WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 9 September (WA 105), in what form and by whom the Ulster-Scots Agency was informed about its budget being reduced by 16 per cent by the Eire Government. [HL5086]

Baroness Amos

I refer the noble Lord to the answer given to him on 11 June 2003(WA 44).

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 12 May (WA 1), whether the budget for 2003 for the Language Implementation Body was set by a department of the Eire Government; and [HL5344]

Whether the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal to Question HL2474 (12 May, WA 1) is consistent with the Written Answer to Question HL2475 (12 May, WA 2). [HL5345]

Baroness Amos

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given to HL5244 on 18 November 2003(WA 271).

The Answer given on 12 May (WA 1) is consistent with the Answer given on 12 May (WA 2).

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 15 July (WA 91), whether they will place in the Library of the House all documentation, including e-mails, letters, memoranda and minutes of meetings, concerning the discussions between the departments on the setting of the budget for the Ulster-Scots Agency for 2003. [HL5090]

Baroness Amos

The papers relating to the decisions made on the Language Body budget under the Exchange of Notes of 19 November 2002 have been placed in the Library.

Under Part II, Paragraph 2 (Internal discussion and advice) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it would be inappropriate for the Government to disclose documentation relating to discussions on the budget for the Language Body.

Lord Laird

asked her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 15 July (WA 96) concerning the budget of the Ulster-Scots Agency, why the agency was not allowed to transfer funds from one financial year to the next for specific projects. [HL5091]

Baroness Amos

I have nothing further to add to the answers given on 15 July 2003(WA 96), Tuesday 24 June 2003 (WA 7), Monday 13 January (WA 1) and Tuesday 26 November 2002 (WA 36).

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure agreed to reduce the 2003 budget of the Ulster-Scots Agency by 16 per cent. [HL5273]

Baroness Amos

In accordance with the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two Governments dated 19 November 2002, the budget for the agency for 2003 was agreed by the Government of the UK and the Government of the Republic of Ireland as part of the overall budget for the North/ South Language Body. This took account of a number of factors, including in particular pressures on public expenditure in the South. The budget for 2003 has now been increased in line with revised business plans for the Irish Language Agency and the Ulster Scots Agency.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 11 June (WA 45), on what date and in what form the Special Advisers in the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers were consulted about the budget of the Ulster-Scots Agency. [HL5396]

Baroness Amos

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 9 September 2003(WA 105).