HC Deb 08 February 1996 vol 271 cc359-60W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to his Department of the use of the royal yacht at Cowes between 28 July and 2 August 1995; and what use was made of her during this period. [14155]

Mr. Soames

The estimated total operating costs of HMY Britannia for the financial year 1995–96 are £8,933,000. Information on the marginal costs of individual deployments could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Britannia's attendance at Cowes continues the traditional and popular royal patronage of this event.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 January,Official Report, column 534, what factors led to the presence of the royal yacht in Walvis bay on 14 March 1995. [14210]

Mr. Soames

While sailing to South Africa, in support of the royal visit by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, HMY Britannia stopped in Walvis bay, Namibia, to refuel. The opportunity was taken for the British high commissioner to hold a reception aboard for the Namibian Prime Minister.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 January,Official Report, column 535, what factors led to the presence of the royal yacht in Piraeus on 4 October 1995; what was the purpose of the reception; what were the costs to his Department; and what payments were received from other Government Departments. [14214]

Mr. Soames

In October 1995, HMY Britannia visited Pireaus in support of the "Britain in Greece" festival, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her Majesty's ambassador held a reception aboard Britannia, and British Invisibles held a seminar, lunch and evening reception, to promote British exports and attract inward investment to the UK. There were no additional costs incurred by the Ministry of Defence, over and above normal running costs, and no payments were received from other Government Departments.

Mr. Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 January,Official Report,column 534, what amount was received in 1994–95 for the use of the royal yacht Britannia from (a) Government Departments and (b) other organisations. [14211]

Mr. Soames

Charges for the use of Britannia are not levied on the sponsors of commercial events when she is used to promote British exports and attract inward investment to the UK. There were no additional costs incurred by the Ministry of Defence, over and above normal running costs, and no payments were received from other Government Departments or other organisations.