§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 5 April (WA 184) concerning the West Belfast Festival, what was the date of the application to the Belfast Regeneration Office, whether it was accompanied by a business case; which body approved the application; when it was approved; and on what grounds. [HL2418]
§ Baroness AmosThe Belfast Regeneration Office received two applications (WA 184) concerning the West Belfast Festival dated 17 May 2002 and 14 August 2003. The applications were not accompanied by a business case. The Belfast Regeneration Office approved the application dated 17 May 2002 on the grounds that it contributed to the aims and objectives of the Belfast Regeneration Office strategy and criteria. In relation to the application dated 14 August 2003 a ministerial decision was made to provide shortfall funding on the grounds that there was value to be obtained from government subvention in relation to several legitimate aspects of public policy; namely tourism, arts and culture, social and community development.