HC Deb 04 March 1998 vol 307 cc678-9W
Mr. Garnier

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the maximum number of guests that can be accommodated for(a) official receptions and (b) official lunches and dinners in the Lord Chancellor's residence in the Palace of Westminster. [31453]

Mr. Hoon

There are two rooms which will be used for functions in the Lord Chancellor's Residence. The Dining Room will sit 16–18 for official lunches and dinners. The River Room will sit up to 50 people, depending on the nature of the function. For a reception, the maximum number of guests who could comfortably be accommodated is 100. One of the key attractions of the rooms is their location in the Palace of Westminster with views of the River Thames.

Mr. Garnier

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department from which date the official residence of the Lord Chancellor will be opened for public view; and on which days of the week and during which hours of those days it will be open to the public. [31454]

Mr. Hoon

The restoration of the Lord Chancellor's Official Residence is likely to be completed by the end of the Easter Recess. Arrangements for public viewing will be in place as soon as possible thereafter.

The precise arrangements for the opening will be announced in due course: it is currently envisaged that during parliamentary sessions the Residence will open for two mornings a week, between 10 and 11.30 am. More frequent access will be possible during parliamentary recesses. Regular use will be made of the Residence by charities for fund raising occasions.