HC Deb 23 February 1993 vol 219 cc508-9W
Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the cost of providing Post Office staff support to the royal family.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 22 February 1993]: The estimated annual cost of Post Office staff employed on a permanent or seconded basis on postal duties for the royal family is £200,000.

Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Post Office staff are seconded(a) full-time and (b) part-time from Howick place sorting office to the royal family at Buckingham palace and when the Queen is in residence elsewhere or aboard the royal yacht in harbour; and if he will make a statement on the arrangements.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 22 February 1993]: Five Post Office staff are seconded full time from Howick place sorting office for postal duties at Buckingham palace. When Her Majesty the Queen is in residence elsewhere, locally based post office staff are seconded on a temporary basis, as appropriate. No Post Office staff are seconded to the royal yacht.

Mr. Hain

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what account his review of the Post Office is taking of the services provided to the royal family by the allocation of staff to process their mail.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 22 February 1993]: The Post Office review is considering all matters relating to the future organisation and structure of the Post Office.