§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are encouraging the Northern Ireland departments to support London's hid for the Olympic Games of 2012; and, if so, in view of the cutbacks of funding proposed for the Sports Council, how the departments are able to provide such support. [HL307]
§ Baroness AmosThe Government have asked all Northern Ireland departments to support the bid and subsequently the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has set up a regional inter-departmental coordinating steering group. In relation to the question of funding no decision has been made. The proposals set out in the draft priorities and budget 2005–08 were the subject of consultation and the final budget position is under consideration.