Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost of accommodation for judges in 1992–93 and 1982–83; what were the major categories of cost; and what was spent in each category.
Mr. John M. TaylorFigures for the cost of accommodation of judges when sitting in the courts are not separately maintained. The cost of accommodation in lodgings for judges on circuit was £5.02 million in 1992–93. These costs are in two categories, of fixed costs —including rents, hiring charges, maintenance and permanent staff—and variable costs, including fuel and utilities, and casual and itinerant staff. Fixed costs in 1992–93 were £4.14 million and variable costs were £0.88 million. The Property Services Agency was primarily responsible for the lodgings in 1982–83 and the figures for that year cannot be ascertained without disproportionate cost.