§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will propose to the Commonwealth countries that they make a contribution towards the Civil List on a basis of equitable share of the total costs between each of the countries of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. LuardNo. It would not be right to suggest to independent Commonwealth countries that they conribute to the United Kingdom-enacted Civil List, the provisions of which are designed by Her Majesty's United Kingdom Government to ensure that the Crown and the Royal Family are able to fulfil their constitutional United Kingdom role. Other Commonwealth Governments that recognise the Queen as Head of State bear the cost of the upkeep of the office of Governor-General, who is the Queen's representative there, and the cost of visits by the Queen in these countries.