§ Lord Lukeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Given that the statutory requirement under the Osborne Estate Act 1902 to devote part of Osborne House for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces and the Civil Service is not at present being fulfilled, and has not been for over a year, what they are proposing to do to redress the situation; and [HL1900]
When they anticipate that the repair and refurbishment of the accommodation at Osborne House, formerly used as the King Edward VII Convalescent Home for Officers, will be completed; and [HL1901]
What representations they have received on the future use of rooms at Osborne House which were formerly occupied by the King Edward VII Convalescent Home for Officers. (HL1902]
§ Baroness BlackstoneThe extent and, therefore, the cost of repairs to the former convalescent home area at Osborne House have been greater than anticipated and will not now be completed until December 2003. Some rooms will be available for new uses after the initial phase of work is completed in early 2002. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport will be considering the options and the associated costs for using these rooms to meet her obligations under the 1902 Act.
English Heritage, which is responsible for the maintenance and management of the Osborne Estate, has made proposals to open to the public a substantial part of the former convalescent home accommodation and the gardens previously restricted to convalescent home use. No other representations have been received concerning the future use of the accommodation.