§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give, for the latest and most convenient stated date, the actual or estimated cost to his Department of supplying personnel to guard Buckingham Palace.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe cost of protecting and guarding Buckingham Palace is assessed on the basis of rates per officer and soldier involved which cover pay, allowances, uniforms, feed and accommodation costs. The estimated cost at current prices is £170,000 per year for a typical guard of one officer and 20 other ranks when Her Majesty the Queen is in residence and £150,000 per year for a typical guard of one officer and 17 other ranks when Her Majesty the Queen is away. However, this expenditure would be incurred regardless of the particular duties on which the officers and soldiers concerned are engaged.