§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Eire Government announced the 2004 budget allocations for the Cross-Border Language Implementation Body unilaterally in November; and why the proper procedure was not used; and [HL272]
Whether they had advance knowledge of the announcement of the 2004 budget for the Cross-Border Language Implementation Body; and, if so, what action they took in response; and [HL300]
118WAWhat business case the Eire Government used to set the budget for 2004 for the language implementation body; and who had approved the budget at the time of announcement in November. [HL302]
§ Baroness AmosThe 2004 budget for the North/South Language Body has not yet been announced. The recommended budget allocation for the North/South Language Implementation Body will be subject to agreement by Ministers North and South in accordance with the arrangements under the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two governments dated 19 November 2002. This process has not been completed in respect of 2004. Proper procedure is being followed in line with the budgetary process as set out in the North/South Language Body's Financial Memorandum. The business plan as required by the financial memorandum has not yet been agreed.