§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he moved into a residence in Admiralty Arch; for how long he plans to retain the residence; how many rooms it possesses; if he is paying rent on it; and if he will make a statement. [25777]
§ Mr. PortilloLike a number of my predecessors as Secretary of State for Defence, I obtained the Prime Minister's permission to use one of the three flats in Admiralty house which are within his gift. I have used the flat since August 1995, including for overnight accommodation between October 1995 and March 1996. In accordance with long-standing practice, the ministry of Defence makes a payment to the landlord—since 1 April 1996, the Cabinet Office—for its rent and maintenance costs. Council tax on the flat is paid direct to the City of Westminster. The flat has up to three bedrooms.