§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will give, for the longest period of time, the total number of dispatch boxes and brief cases 556W which were given to named or classified groups of persons; what were the individual costs of these boxes and brief cases; what were the total costs involved; and on what date a charge was introduced for the cost of the dispatch boxes.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisSince April 1963 a total of 371 dispatch boxes have been retained by Ministers on departure from their Ministries. Such boxes have the security lock removed and replaced by a non-security lock, at the Minister's expense of approximately £8 to £10. Ministers have always had this facility.
Brief cases are supplied to Ministers on a departmental basis, each Department maintaining its own record of issue.
Since April 1973 a total of 23 security dispatch boxes, 32 security briefcases and eight non-security brief cases were issued to six Royal Commissions. At today's prices these would cost approximately £72.70, £38.73 up to £43.51 and £19.38 each respectively. Actual costs involved could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Charges for dispatch boxes to retiring members of Royal Commissions were introduced in March 1976.