HC Deb 31 January 1994 vol 236 cc471-2W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the membership of the board of the Duchy of Lancaster benevolent fund, their dates of appointment; and what criteria were used in selecting appointees.

Mr. Waldegrave

The trustees of the Duchy Lancaster benevolent fund are:

  • The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: The right hon. William Waldegrave, MP
  • The Duchy Attorney General: Mr. Timothy Lloyd, Q.C.
  • The Duchy Receiver General: Major Sir Shane Blewitt, KCVO
  • The Vice Chancellor of the County Palatine: The hon. Justice Morritt
  • Sir Michael Bunbury, Bt
  • Sir Simon Towneley, KCVO, JP
  • Professor Christopher Howes, CB
  • Mr. John Sclater

Clerk of the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster: Mr. Michael Ridley, CVO

All were appointed on 1 October 1993 when the benevolent fund was made a charitable trust. All trustees are members of the Duchy Council and are distinguished in various fields relating to Duchy matters. For example, Sir Simon Towneley is the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the advisers within the County Palatine who advise the Duchy's benevolent fund on applications it receives for financial assistance.

Mr. Waldegrave

The principal advisers are the Lords-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. The secretary of the fund also keeps in contact with organisations which advise on charitable giving, for example the charities advice and information service of the community council of Lancashire, and makes use of his own extensive contacts in the County Palatine to evaluate applications for assistance.