§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Prime Minister what is the budget for the running cost for the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing street for 1994–95; and what was the running cost of 10 Downing street over the last 14 years.
§ The Prime MinisterFigures on a consistent basis are not available. In 1980–81, recorded spending on 10 Downing street and Chequers on the votes of the Cabinet Office, OPSS, was £1.745 million. In 1981–82, charges were introduced for the use of Ministry of Defence aircraft. Including those charges, spending was £2.415 million in 1981–82 and £2.700 million in 1982–83. In 1983–84, charges were introduced by the Property Services Agency for buildings and services. Including those charges, spending was £3.026 million in 1983–84. In 1984–85, charges were introduced for use of the Government car service and for service personnel at Chequers. Including those charges, spending was £3.787 million in 1984–85 and £4.406 million in 1985–86. In 1986–87, the cost of office services was included in the No. 10 budget. Including those costs, spending since then has been as follows:
Year £ million 1986–87 4.963 1987–88 5.418 1988–89 6.554 1989–90 7.669 1990–91 8.226 1991–92 8.664 1992–93 9.866 An outturn for 1993–94 will be available shortly; it is likely to be around the same level of spending as in 1992–93. The provisional budget for 1994–95 is £9.486 million.