HC Deb 01 May 2001 vol 367 cc576-7W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 26 April 2001,Official Report, column 336W, how many bedrooms and living rooms make up the apartment at Kensington Palace occupied by Prince Michael of Kent; on what date he started making a contribution to the cost of maintenance; for what reason he was granted the apartment; and if he is allowed to conduct business from these premises. [159958]

Mr. Alan Howarth

The apartment occupied by Prince Michael of Kent has seven bedrooms and nine reception rooms. He started making a contribution to the cost of maintenance with effect from 1 April 1994. No reasons are documented for the granting of the licence. No commercial business is conducted from the apartment. (Prince Michael's commercial activities are conducted from offices in Oxfordshire.) Prince Michael does carry out charitable work at Kensington Palace and receives invitations and correspondence there as a member of the Royal Family.