asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that moneys from the International Fund are being spent in conformity with guidelines agreed when the fund was established.

I am satisfied that the fund is operating in compliance with the guidelines set out in the agreement to establish it.

Have there been any complaints through the Secretariat or the Conference that sums of money have been going to firms who are alleged to have benefited from the Northern Ireland Office when an eagle eye was not being kept on the situation?

I am not aware of any specific complaints in that regard but I will certainly have it looked into. It is only normal in the course of events that there will be suggestions rather than complaints about particular disbursements from the fund. I myself have a few pet projects which I should like to see the fund considering and I press them as often as I can, so far without success.

I am in the same boat.