HC Deb 25 March 1996 vol 274 cc455-6W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who(a) owns and (b) has responsibility for operating the official cars used by the royal family for their public duties. [21476]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I have been asked to reply.

The costs of cars used for official purposes by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are met from the Queen's civil list and from His Royal Highness's parliamentary annuity respectively. They may be owned or leased and are operated by the Royal Mews. The costs of cars used for official purposes by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother are met from Her Majesty's parliamentary annuity. They are the responsibility of her staff and may be owned or leased. Cars are also owned privately for private use.

Costs for other members of the royal family are not paid for from public funds.