HC Deb 24 March 1964 vol 692 cc52-3W
Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what was the total cost of the Grace and Favour homes in each of the past five years; how many such homes he is responsible for; and where they are situated.

Mr. Rippon

I am responsible for the repair and maintenance of the structure and services of Grace and Favour residences, and for modernisation on change of occupation. The cost of such work in each of the past five years has been:

1958–59 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62 1962–63
£ £ £ £ £
9,158 18,346 27,842 24,913 81,334

The number of such homes for which I am at present responsible is 140, and they are situated as follows:—

Hampton Court Palace 57
Windsor Castle 43
Kensington Palace 16
Marlborough House Mews 8
St. James's Palace 9
Buckingham Palace 3
Bushy Park 2
Kew Palace 1
Hyde Park 1

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works to what extent the occupants of Grace and Favour homes are responsible for the payment of rent, rates, heating, lighting, and maintenance.

Mr. Rippon

Grace and favour residents are responsible for the payment of rates, and for the cost of heating, lighting, water, internal decorations and tenant's repairs during their occupation. They do not pay rent.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how many Grace and Favour homes have been a charge on his Department for each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Rippon

The numbers are as follows:

1954 116
1955 117
1956 131
1957 137
1958 138
1959 138
1960 137
1961 140
1962 140
1963 140