§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a full and detailed list of the various properties let to and occupied by Ministers of the Crown as their private residences; what accommodation and services are supplied in each instance; what is the estimated cost or market value of these premises; to what extent an economic rent is charged; and on what basis Ministers pay towards the costs involved in the supply of their private housing accommodation by the Government.
§ Mr. AmeryFollowing is the information
Official residence accommodation at present occupied by members of the Government in their capacity as Ministers of the 252W Crown and provided by my Department is as follows:10 Downing Street, Prime Minister.11 Downing Street, Chancellor of the Exchequer.1 Carlton Gardens, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.Admiralty House, Flat on 1st and part of 3rd Floor, Secretary of State for the Home Department.Flat on 2nd Floor, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.6 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Secretary of State for Scotland.The accommodation varies from residence to residence, but basically comprises a drawing room, a dining room, a study, bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities. The rooms are furnished and equipped to reasonable standards, and heating and lighting is also provided. As was the position under previous Administrations, no contributions are recovered from Ministers in respect of official residence accommodation towards rent or services provided.
It is not considered possible to assess a rental or market value for these residences, which, in most cases, form part of an historic building.