§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have reached an agreement with regard to the transfer of Apsley House to a charitable trust; and, if so, whether such an agreement will require parliamentary approval. [HL1717]
§ Baroness BlackstoneMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to introduce new arrangements for the future management of both the fabric of Apsley House, the last historic building for which DCMS retains responsibility, and the Wellington Museum, currently run by the V&A contracting out order to be laid before Parliament will, if approved by both Houses, allow certain of the Secretary of State's functions under the Wellington Museum Act 1947 to be contracted out. The functions to be contracted out are intended to relate to the maintenance of the fabric of Apsley House and the running of the Wellington Museum. It is expected that expressions of interest in taking on the contract will be sought through an advertisement and that tenders will then be invited.
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§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether on a recent visit to the Belfast area by the President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese. her police escort were required to remove their remembrance poppies; and, if so, by whom and why. [HL1456]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The officers of the police escort who accompanied the President of the Republic of Ireland on a recent visit to the Belfast area were not required to remove their poppies. However, following a discussion between the officers it was agreed that poppies would not be openly displayed during an evening function.