Royal Palaces (Hansard, 16 December 2002)

§ Mr. Alan Williams
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate has been made of the cost of proposed refurbishment and redecorative work at Clarence House; and how much of this is to be charged to Grant-in-Aid. [83907]

§ Dr. Howells
The estimated cost of the proposed refurbishment and redecorative work is £3.45 million (excluding VAT). In addition, £175,000 has been budgeted for removing, storing and reinstating the contents of the house and £356,000 for professional fees (also excluding VAT). All the above costs will be met from the current Grant-in-Aid allocation.
The Prince of Wales will personally fund costs relating to the furnishing of Clarence House.

§ Mr. Alan Williams
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what changes are planned in the use of accommodation at(a) St. James's Palace and (b) Clarence House. [83908]

§ Dr. Howells
From August 2003, Clarence House will become the official residence for The Prince of Wales and the London home for Prince William and Prince Harry. Clarence House will also house the Private Office of The Prince of Wales. The main parts of Clarence House will be opened to the public in the summer months. The office space in St. James's Palace, vacated as a result of the move of the Private Office of The Prince of Wales, will be occupied by the Royal Collection. The future of the apartment in St. James's Palace currently occupied by The Prince of Wales is under review.

§ 22. Mr. Alan Williams
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what accommodation there is at(a) St. James's Palace and (b) Clarence House. [83909]

§ Dr. Howells
At St. James's Palace, there is the following accommodation: state rooms, two chapels (Chapel Royal and The Queen's Chapel), office accommodation and 22 apartments (occupied by Members of the Royal Family, staff, or currently vacant, with two currently let to the Ministry of Defence). In addition, there is a picture restoration studio, guardroom and messing facility for the guard.
Clarence House comprises 16 main rooms plus office, staff and ancillary accommodation. Following refurbishment of Clarence House, this accommodation will be used by The Prince of Wales (a) to perform his official duties, which include meetings, receptions and other events; (b) as his official London residence; and (c) as offices for 30 of his official staff, as well as by the Princes as their London home.