HC Deb 06 November 2000 vol 356 cc107-8W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 26 October 2000,Official Report, column 216W, regarding lord lieutenants, if he will provide a full breakdown of expenses incurred during the financial year 1999–2000 for the lord lieutenant of (a) Greater Manchester and (b) the West Midlands; and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that expenses claimed by lord lieutenants are appropriate and provide value for money. [136712]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Costs for the Lord Lieutenancies of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands are higher than those for other Metropolitan Lieutenancies because they include more significant staffing and accommodation costs.

All claims for expenses and other costs incurred by the Lieutenancies in England are carefully considered by the Home Office before payments are made.

Pursuant to this, it may be helpful if I give some further information to put the figures previously provided on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 216W, into their proper context.

Lord Lieutenants are appointed under current legislation by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, following consultations locally and, where appropriate, with the First Minister or Secretary. Lord Lieutenants are much appreciated in their counties and areas, particularly as a link with the Royal Family and for their support of a wide range of local voluntary and community work.

Lord Lieutenants are unpaid. They may however claim expenses from central Government for certain items such as travel and other reasonable non-entertainment expenses incurred in carrying out their official duties. Amounts claimed will clearly vary according to, for example, levels of activity in each county and area, size and dispersal of populations, and the personal circumstances of each Lord Lieutenant. Some choose not to claim any expenses.

In addition, counties and areas provide varying levels of administrative support, as do some Government Departments in respect of functions carried out by Lord Lieutenants on their behalf. The Home Office meets the cost of administrative support for Metropolitan counties in England.