And while we are on the subject of money ...

... just how much does that European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights cost and what is its purpose. Lord Lester of Herne Hill tried to find out:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the objectives of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights that are not delivered elsewhere; and what is its annual budget.

For those who are interested, this is what HMG replied:

The European Agency for Fundamental Rights provides the EU organs, and the EU member states when implementing EU law, with assistance and expertise relating to fundamental rights. Examples of its functions include the production of data comparing the human rights situations in the EU member states, and the preparation of thematic conclusions and opinions at the request of the European Parliament, the Council or the Commission. EU-specific functions such as these are unique to the agency.

The agency received a total contribution from the EU budget of €20 million in 2011. The 2012 EU budget is still being negotiated.

And worth every euro-cent we spend on it. Well, maybe not.