§ Lord Craigmyleasked Her Majesty's Government:
Concerning the Orders in Council signed on 21 July 1998 altering the future of the King Edward VII Convalescent Home for Servicemen (and others): (a) how the order was published; and (b) how the order will assist the future of the home. [HL4624]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe order was not published. Orders in Council are only published inThe London Gazette if their related Acts of Parliament specifically require it or if they have the status of statutory instruments. Neither applied in the case of the Osborne Estate Order 1998. Copies of the order are available from the Privy Council office on request.
The order widens eligibility to men and women of all ranks, serving or who have served in the Armed Services, to enjoy the facilities of the convalescent home at Osborne House, until such time as my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport receives Parliament's approval to end his responsibility to maintain the convalescent home. Wider eligibility will also help to maintain the home's income for the period that it remains open.