HC Deb 11 April 1961 vol 638 cc24-5
39. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Works if he will give further details of the items of expenditure involved in the increase of £141,108 to a total of £807,000 in the estimate for expenditure on the Royal Palaces, in view of the necessarily limited explanation published in the Civil Estimates.

The Minister of Works (Lord John Hope)

As the Answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Allaun

Would it not be better if the Government devoted most of this money, materials, and building labour to relieving the really tragic conditions of other British families whose needs are far more serious?

Lord John Hope

I think that when the hon. Member reads the detailed Answer he will see that that supplementary question is not really relevant.

Following is the Answer: The increase of £7,440 on Subhead B.1 (Salaries, etc.), is due mainly to wage increases and extra staff for dealing with visitors at Palaces open to the public. Details of the increase of £56,700 on Subhead C.1 (New Works, etc.), and of £13,000 on Subhead C.2 (Payment to Royal Borough of Windsor) are given in the printed Estimates. The increase of £61,918 on Subhead D (Maintenance and Repairs) is due to wage increases and to the inclusion of two sizeable maintenance items (renewal of eroded stonework at Buckingham Palace and repairs to the banks of the Longford River, Hampton Court) which can no longer be deferred. The increase of £2,050 on Subhead E.2 (Furniture and Equipment—repair and maintenance) is due to wage increases.