§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a detailed breakdown of the figure of £244,240 shown in the Supplementary Estimates, Classes II-XVII: Civil 1975–76, Class XIII, 4, for honours and dignities; and why this figure has increased from the present provision of £190,770.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThe sum of £244,240 provided in Subhead C3 Honours and Dignities of the 1975–76 Supplementary Estimates for Economic and Financial Administration: Treasury (Class XIII, 4) is broken down as follows:
£ Salaries and expenses of the Office of the Lord Lyon 19,800 Expenses of the Wales Herald Extraordinary 150 Expenses of Garter King of Arms 5,400 Salaries and expenses of the Lord Chamberlain's Office 49,000 Purchase of medals and other insignia 165,490 Purchase of emblems for the Queen's Award to Industry 4,400 £244,240 The increase from the present provision of £190,770 is required to meet increases in rates of pay awarded with effect from 1st April 1975 after the original estimates were presented; increases in the costs of medals and other insignia supplied by the Royal Mint; and the increase in the rate of value added tax payable under Section 17 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1975. Offsetting receipts of 330W £14,520 from fees and sales of insignia are included in Subhead CZ Appropriations in Aid.