§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of his Department's fire, health and safety branch following the Windsor castle fire. [24671]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 16 May 1995]: My Department's branch which deals with fire, health and safety is responsible for precautions in the Department's own offices. It does not bear responsibility for premises occupied by other bodies which the Department sponsors or for which it provides funds. For the occupied royal palaces which are funded by the grant in aid these responsibilities lie with the royal household's own fire and safety branch which was strengthened in accordance with the recommendations of the Bailey report.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the total cost of repair of the fire damage at Windsor castle; if he will list the(a) sources and (b) amounts of the contributions to the cost of the repairs; and when he expects the work to be completed. [24672]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 16 May 1995]: It is currently estimated that the total cost of the repair of the fire damage at Windsor Castle will be about £35 million, including fees and VAT. Some £24.5 million of the cost will be met from the opening of Buckingham palace and charging for entry to the Windsor castle precincts, with the balance of £10.5 million from the grant in aid allocation for the maintenance of the occupied royal palaces. The work is progressing well and is expected to be completed to schedule by mid-1998.
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