HL Deb 06 February 1997 vol 577 c154WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they failed to consult the opposition parties about the successor to the Royal Yacht "Britannia" before announcing their decision to pay the full £60 million cost of the new "Britannia" from public funds.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)

The decision to replace the Royal Yacht was a Government procurement decision and is not a constitutional matter. It is not the practice to consult the Opposition about procurement decisions before they are announced.