Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what non-governmental organisations had use of the royal yacht Britannia; for what purpose; on whose authority; and at what cost in(a) 1991–92 and (b)1992–93.
§ Mr. HanleyGovernment Departments sponsor the use of the royal yacht by non-governmental organisations in order to promote British exports and attract inward investment to the United Kingdom. Such use is authorised by Buckingham palace and the Cabinet Secretary. All additional costs of these events are paid for by the organisations concerned. For the period in question the events were as follows:
1991–92 British Invisibles at London 1992–93 British Invisibles at Rome British Invisibles at Stockholm Scottish Financial Enterprise at Leith
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the result of the review of the future of the royal yacht Britannia.
§ Mr. HanleyIn view of the age of the royal yacht, its future is currently under review, with a range of options being considered. The future of the yacht will be made clear in due course.