HC Deb 08 July 1999 vol 334 cc620-1W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many days in each year since 1992 the Palace of Holyrood House was occupied by(a) the Sovereign and (b) other members of the Royal Family. [89551]

Dr. Reid

Since 1992, the Palace of Holyrood House was occupied by(a) the Sovereign and (b) other members of the Royal family as follows:

Year Sovereign Other members of the Royal Family
1992 6 17
1993 6 26
1994 11 17
1995 7 22
1996 6 20
1997 10 24
1998 5 17
1999 13 17
1 Interim figure to July 1999

In addition, the Lord High Commissioner, acting as the Sovereign's representative at the General Assembly, occupies the Palace generally for a week in May each year.

From 1 July 1999, provision of the official residence of the Sovereign in Scotland became a matter for Scottish Ministers.