asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who will take the final decision concerning the location of a national stadium for Northern Ireland; and when that decision will be taken. [HL2700]

The decision concerning the location of the Government's proposed multi-sports stadium was taken by the former Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Angela Smith MP. This decision was announced in March 2005. However, a future devolved Northern Ireland Assembly would be free to revisit any aspect of the stadium proposal.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide substantial funding for the Northern Ireland national stadium if it is sited at (1) the Maze and (2) Belfast. [HL2788]

The Government are considering providing substantial funding for a multi-sports stadium sited only at the Maze/Long Kesh. No other location in Northern Ireland, including Belfast, is capable of satisfying the Government's key requirements for a multi-sports stadium.