§ I have been requested by the Minister to reply to your Parliamentary Question on this subject, since my Agency has management responsibility for the Tower of London.
§ We have recently completed a staff review at the Tower of London which concluded that the Yeoman Warders should concentrate on their traditional guided tours, security and contact with visitors. To this end some work previously undertaken by Yeoman Warders such as ticket checking and controlling vehicle barriers has been contracted out. The complement of Yeoman Warders is planned to fall from 39 to 29 by 1995.
§ I attach great importance to the status and dignity of this Royal Palace of which the Yeoman Warders are such an important part.