§ Lord Dholakiaasked the Lord Chancellor:
Since announcing that his residence would be available for charity occasions, and also open to the public visitors, how many requests from charities have been accepted; how much money has been raised or pledged for charity; and how many public visits have taken place. [HL3941]
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)Since May 1998, 52 charitable events have taken place in the Lord Chancellor's Residence. Twenty-five requests for such events in the future have been accepted and scheduled; and a further seven accepted, but not yet scheduled.
The various charitable organisations have raised over £1 million arising out of these events; and received pledges significantly in excess of that.
In addition, public tours of the Residence take place every Tuesday and Thursday whilst Parliament is sitting; and on additional days during parliamentary recesses. As at end July, 1999, 125 public tours have taken place, involving over 2,500 visitors.