HC Deb 30 June 1997 vol 297 cc25-6W
Mr. Garnier

To ask the Prime Minister what expenses he has authorised to decorate, refurbish or enhance office accommodation(a) in Whitehall and (b) in official homes within his gift. [2860]

The Prime Minister

Decoration and other such work undertaken on office accommodation in Whitehall is the responsibility of individual departments. Within No. 10, two offices have been redecorated at a cost of about £1,500, out of a minor works and general maintenance budget for 1997–98 of £25,000.

Some offices in the Cabinet Office have been refurbished—principally to accommodate the Constitution Secretariat—at a total cost in the region of £80,000, out of a minor works and general maintenance budget for 1997–98 of £397,010.

Redecoration or refurbishment of official homes within my gift is a matter for the individual board of trustees or departments.

Discharged by judge1 Directed acquittal2
Year Custody Bail Total Custody Bail Total
1992 671 5,970 6,641 497 3,129 3,626
1993 676 5,574 6,250 386 2,619 3,005
1994 871 6,615 7,486 402 2,659 3,061
1995 896 7,047 7,943 481 2,799 3,280
1996 789 5,698 6,487 424 2,505 2,929
1 Judge orders an acquittal, no jury sworn in.
2 Judge directs the jury to find the defendant not guilty on a count to which the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the assessments provided to him by the Minister without Portfolio of the performance of other Ministers. [5416]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 25 June 1997]: There are no such assessments.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Prime Minister what system of monitoring of the performance of the Minister without Portfolio he has put in place; and if he will publish the results. [5426]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 25 June 1997]: The Minister without Portfolio is subject to the normal conventions on accountability.