§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the cost of the Welsh Assembly to the public purse was estimated to be at the commencement of the project. [174033]
§ Mr. HainThe Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Government of Wales Bill estimated that the additional running costs to the Assembly would be £15 to £20 million more than the costs of running the Welsh Office.
There has been no increase in the block grant to Wales to meet the additional costs of devolution.
Any additional administrative costs arising from devolution are a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.