Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what accommodation is available at Buckingham palace for the use of the Duke of York.
§ Mr. SproatHis Royal Highness the Duke of York has use of two bedrooms, a dressing room, a sitting room, a dining room and two bathrooms at Buckingham palace. These rooms do not form a self-contained apartment.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are the reasons for making grace-and-favour accommodation available at the historic royal palaces; and who occupies it.
§ Mr. SproatAbout half the units of grace-and-favour accommodation at the historic royal palaces have been made available to pensioners who were former employees of Her Majesty the Queen, and the remainder to employees or holders of positions in the royal household whose duties require their attendance at Hampton Court or the Tower of London.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage on what basis rent is assessed for Prince Michael of Kent.
185W
§ Mr. SproatThe rent is assessed on a basis which takes into account the fact that His Royal Highness the Prince Michael of Kent is a more immediate member of the Royal Family who undertakes some official engagements on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what amount was taken in revenue from entry charges and merchandising by the Historic Royal Palaces Agency in the last financial year; and what is the target for next year.
§ Mr. SproatThe provisional outturn figures for income from entry charges and shops in 1993–94 are £14.035 million and £4.934 million respectively, totalling £18.969 million.
For 1994–95, the corresponding targets set for the agency by the chief executive are £17.678 million and £5.463 million, totalling £23.141 million.