HC Deb 16 May 1966 vol 728 cc171-2W
71. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many new Ministerial residences have been constructed or are being constructed since October. 1964; and what is the cost of the work.

72. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement on Government policy with regard to the provision of flats for Cabinet Ministers and their furnishing and equipment at public expense.

73. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what Ministers now occupy residential accommodation; what facilities are comprised in each case; what furnishings and personal domestic appliances such as washing machines have been supplied, and at what costs; and what the estimated cost of the accommodation and furnishings would be on a free market in the City of Westminster if an open lease were granted.

Mr. Prentice

Official residences are now occupied by the Prime Minister, First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. The Lord Chancellor has a residence in the other place.

No new residential accommodation has been constructed since October, 1964. What we have done is to complete the renovation of Admiralty House begun under the Conservative administration and divide the upper floors into two separate flats instead of retaining them as one residence as had been intended.

No rental figure can realistically be given for this type of property.

Furniture and domestic equipment are provided at public expense and I am writing to my hon. Friend about them.