HC Deb 05 March 1996 vol 273 cc120-1W
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many changing the guard ceremonies there have been outside Buckingham palace in each of the past three years; at what cost in 1996 prices; what was the average number of(a) men and (b) women on parade in each case; and if he will make a statement. [17170]

Mr. Soames

There were 236 changing the guard ceremonies outside Buckingham palace in 1993, 245 in 1994 and 247 in 1995. Of the 142 service personnel involved in the ceremony, 60 are engaged in the provision of music. The bands sometimes include female personnel, but a record of the specific numbers on specific occasions is not maintained.

The provision of personnel for the changing of the guard ceremonies does not incur additional manpower costs. Details of travel, food and accommodation costs are not held separately and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.