HL Deb 17 June 2004 vol 662 cc79-80WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 6 May (WA 125) concerning the 2004 budgets for Cross Border bodies, whether in purchasing terms the Irish Agency received a higher increase than the Ulster-Scots Agency. [HL2802]

Baroness Amos

It is unclear what the noble Lord means by "purchasing terms". The budget for the Ulster-Scots Agency for 2004 increased by £164,000, a 10.65 per cent increase on 2003. The budget for the Irish Language Agency for 2004 increased by 824,000 euros, a 4.61 per cent increase on 2003.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 6 May (WA 125) what impact the decision not to allow expenditure of £600,000 by the Ulster-Scots Agency on community events during the marching season will have on the recommendation that community leaders should "actively engage in efforts to achieve as peaceful a marching season in 2004 as that experienced in 2003". [HL2944]

Baroness Amos

Under the care and maintenance arrangements of north/south bodies during suspension of the Assembly the budget of the Ulster-Scots Agency was increased by 10.65 per cent to £1,704,000 for 2004. It is up to the agency to prioritise its spending within their budget while recognising that spending must be within the approved budget and associated business plan.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure removed the funding from the Ulster-Scots Agency's requested budget for 2004, when a proportion of it was specifically aimed at resolving the annual dispute at Drumcree. [HL3090]

Baroness Amos

The approved budget for 2004 was calculated based on approved actions in the agency's business plan in line with care and maintenance.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which political parties will be officially consulted about the appointment of the chairman of the Ulster Scots Agency. [HL3054]

Baroness Amos

Some parties have already conveyed views to the Government about the appointment of the chairperson of the Ulster-Scots Agency. There will be further consultation with parties before a final decision is taken.