Hillsborough Castle (Hansard, 21 November 1994)

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what Government staff were on duty at Hillsborough castle during the period it was made available to the Conservative political centre on 4 November; and at what cost.

§ Sir Patrick Mayhew
Ten members of staff were on duty at Hillsborough castle for the Conservative political centre conference on 4 November. Their salary costs, which have been charged to the Conservative political centre, amounted to £250.19.

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what rule Hillsborough castle was made available to the Conservative political centre for an event on 4 November.

§ Sir Patrick Mayhew
Where a government building is a Secretary of State's residence, it may be used by that Secretary of State for a private function provided there is no charge to public funds.

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what fee has been charged to the Conservative political centre for the use of facilities at Hillsborough castle on 4 November.

§ Sir Patrick Mayhew
The Conservative political centre has been charged £878.09 full cost recovery for the conference on 4 November at Hillsborough castle.

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy to make available the facility of holding meetings at Hillsborough castle to any of the constitutional political parties.

§ Sir Patrick Mayhew
No.