§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 13 December 1999 (WA 6), what is the cost of the Prime Minister's official staff; what was the figure at 1 April 1997; and how these costs in each case divide between public funds, party funds and the Prime Minister's private funds. [HL529]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe total cost to date for staff at 10 Downing Street is £3.9 million. This compares to £3.4 million for the year 1996–97. These costs are met from public funds. The Government are not accountable for the costs of any staff working in No. 10 who are paid for by the Labour Party or from the personal funds of the Prime Minister or his wife. I am sorry for not writing to the noble Earl, as promised, on this issue.