HL Deb 19 January 2004 vol 657 cc118-9WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer concerning the supply of final accounts for cross-border implementation bodies, why there was a delay in the accounts for 2000 for Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission; and whether they regard the delay as satisfactory. [HL222]

Baroness Amos

The main reason for the delay in publication of the 2000 accounts for the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission was due to the auditor of the Foyle Fisheries Commission, the predecessor body, not certifying the commission's final accounts until October 2002. This was because the accounting standards applicable to the FFC were changed and the new standards created difficulties with regard to the funding of the FFC Pension Scheme. Previous assurances with regard to the funding that had been provided by the commission's sponsoring departments were no longer adequate to allow the auditor's certificate. Lengthy discussion with the Department of Finance (R01) eventually agreed that resolution would only be achieved if a qualification of the accounts was provided by the auditor.

The late publication is not deemed satisfactory.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether under the care and maintenance policy in place for cross-border implementation bodies it is possible for a decision to be taken to relocate a headquarters to a different area. [HL559]

Baroness Amos

Under the care and maintenance policy in place for North/South implementation bodies it would be possible for a decision to be taken to relocate a headquarters to a different area.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 18 December 2003 (WA 162) concerning the pension provision for staff of cross-border implementation bodies, what was the outcome of the meeting on 15 December 2003. [HL680]

Baroness Amos

The outcome of the meeting held on 15 December was that the parties present agreed to work to ensure that amendments to the legislative framework governing pensions in both the UK and Ireland will enable the early implementation of the pension scheme for the North/South bodies. As a result, further work is being taken forward by officials.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 8 September 2003 (WA 6) concerning the budget of the cross-border implementation bodies set up under the Belfast agreement, whether it is possible to change proportionality of the budgets between the British and Irish Governments; and, if so, whether this will be undertaken in respect of the 2004 budgets. [HL681]

Baroness Amos

The proportionality of funding between the UK and Irish Governments is considered, and where necessary changed, as part of the annual budget process for North/South implementation bodies. This applies equally to the 2004 budget process.