HC Deb 05 July 1976 vol 914 cc425-6W
Mr. Carson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the former Speaker's house at Stormont is now being used for; and what was the total running cost from 1st January 1974 to 31st December 1975.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Stormont House—formerly the residence of the Speaker of the Northern Ireland House of Commons—is now used to meet some of the residential and office needs of the Northern Ireland Office. The residential facilities are used for myself, my minis- terial colleagues and some supporting staff, when required to stay overnight on duty in Northern Ireland, being more suitable, economic and secure than hotel accommodation. The total running cost, including rent, from 1st January 1974 to 31st December 1975 was about £65,000.