§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how often the palace of Holyroodhouse has been occupied by a member of the royal family during the past three years; and what other use is made of the palace. [16200]
§ Mr. Kynoch[holding answer 20 February 1996]The palace was occupied by members of the royal family on 65 days during the three years 1993 to 1995 and on 24 days by the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The palace was open to the public on most other days except for a few days before and after visits by the Queen and the Lord High Commissioner and for the first eight weeks of 1993 during reinstatement following the meeting of the European Council held at the palace in December 1992. Within the palace are the apartments of the hereditary keeper.