asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 19 March (WA 30), (a) how the budget of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum's sponsoring division in the Northern Ireland Office was calculated; (b) what its budget was for each of the past five years; and (c) what amount was spent by the division in each of the past five years. [HL2720]

The budget for the sponsoring division of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum within the Northern Ireland Office is based on best estimates for the spending requirements for that division for the financial year in question. This will take into consideration staffing levels and other running costs as well as other direct costs for which that division is responsible. Thus the budget will vary year on year.

The following table gives the budget and spend for this division for the past five years to the nearest £100,000.