HC Deb 22 May 1962 vol 660 cc27-8W
Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Works if he will itemise the £6,430 required for miscellaneous minor works at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Lord John Hope

The sum provides for a large number of small items of maintenance and repair, which are too numerous to itemise.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Works why £650 is to be spent on the purchase of furniture for the Palace of Holyroodhouse; and what is the nature of the purchase.

Lord John Hope

£400 is for the replacement of an awning. The balance is for the renewal of a carpet runner and linoleum, for new fabric to re-cover chairs, and for other minor items in those parts of the Palace which are open to the public.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Works What is the nature of the plant at the Palace of Holyroodhouse which necessitates the expenditure of £8,350 on its day-to-day maintenance and operation; and whether he will give a breakdown of that figure.

Lord John Hope:

Of the provision of £8,350, £1,600 is for operating and maintaining plant comprising heating and hot water boilers, electrical equipment, and Lifts, and all but £70 of this sum is for wages. The balance of the £8,350 is for day-to-day maintenance of the fabric of the Palace.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Works what has been the expenditure by Her Majesty's Government on Holyroodhouse Palace in each of the last three years.

Lord John Hope

The net expenditure on the Palace of Holyroodhouse, charged to the Royal Palaces Vote, in each of the last three years was:

1959–60 … … … £39,573
1960–61 … … … £39,259
1961–62 … … … £41,934.