§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what have been the running costs of Chequers for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [13612]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 31 January 1997]: Chequers is established under the Chequers Estate Acts 1917 and 1958 and is administered by independent trustees who receive an annual grant from public funds towards its maintenance in accordance with the Acts. In the last five years the grant has been:
- 1992–93: £260,000
- 1993–94: £266,000
- 1994–95: £226,000
- 1995–96: £233,000
- 1996–97: £226,000.
The Government also contribute to the cost of the household staff at Chequers. Over the same period expenditure—net of VAT refunds—has been:
- 1992–93: £428,287
- 1993–94: £251,460
- 1994–95: £301,960
- 1995–96: £221,280
- 1996–97: £240,000 (estimate).
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister how many days he has spent in residence at Chequers in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [13613]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 31 January 1997]: In the last five years, my family and I have made regular use of Chequers for a variety of purposes, in accordance with the wishes of the donor, Lord Lee, and the Chequers Estate Acts.