§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the sums paid to Assembly Members in(a) salaries and (b) office and staff allowances since the Northern Ireland Assembly elections in November 2003. [176958]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyFollowing my determination under Section 47 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in respect of Members' salaries and allowances effective from 5 December 2003, a total of £1.377 million has been paid in respect of Members' salaries with a farther £1.518 million paid in respect of office costs and other 887W allowances, including Members' travel and subsistence. These figures include payments made up to 31 March 2004.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the costs of the Northern Ireland Assembly since its suspension in October 2002. [176970]
§ Mr. Paul MurphySince its suspension on 14 October 2002, the cost associated with maintaining the Assembly up to 31 March 2004 is £36.6 million. This figure comprises costs relating to Members and parties of £15.4 million; property, accommodation and business services £7.5 million; and salaries of the Assembly Secretariat of £13.7 million. An element of this latter figure is attributable to Assembly staff who have been working on non Assembly projects within the wider public sector in Northern Ireland since June 2003.