§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times in each of the past five years the royal yacht has been used for private journeys; where and by whom these journeys were made; and what payment for each voyage was received. [16911]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 February 1997]: During the past five years, Her Majesty's yacht Britannia has been used for private journeys on the following occasions:
Dates Embarked From/to 6–18 August 1992 The Queen Portsmouth/Aberdeen The Duke of Edinburgh The Duke of York The Princess Royal The Prince Edward 5–16 August 1993 The Queen Portsmouth/Aberdeen The Duke of Edinburgh The Duke of York The Princess Royal The Prince Edward 1994 nil 3–14 August 1995 The Queen Portsmouth/Aberdeen The Duke of Edinburgh The Prince Edward 7– 17 August 1996 The Queen Portsmouth/Aberdeen The Duke of Edinburgh The Princess Royal Captain Timothy Laurence The voyage in August 1995 included an official visit by Her Majesty the Queen to Oban. The voyage in August 1996 included an official visit by Her Majesty the Queen to Stranraer. Provision for HMY Britannia is currently made from defence votes, and payments are not made by individual users. Following the Government's decision to commission a replacement for Britannia, the Queen has indicated that she and other members of the royal family wish to make repayment on a basis to be agreed for any personal use made of the new royal yacht.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules govern whether a voyage made by the royal yacht is official or private. [16890]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 20 February 1997]: Official voyages by HMY Britannia include public duties, both royal and commercial, and her regular activities such as training. Private voyages are any that do not include public duties.