§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many Queen's Golden Jubilee Medals will be struck; to whom they will be distributed; what the total cost of this exercise will be; and if she will make a statement. [34050]
§ Tessa JowellThe estimated requirement is for 370,000 medals. Around 185,000 will he issued to serving members of the armed forces and Royal Fleet Auxiliary with a minimum of five years' reckonable service on 6 February 2002. Around 185,000 will be issued under the same criteria to members of the emergency services accessed by dialling 999.
The total cost to Government are estimated at £7.8 million (including the cost of the ribbon, delivery and an element for administration).
§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of (1) recent legislation and regulations on the organising of street parties and other celebrations for the Queens' Golden Jubilee; [34153]
(2) the Human Rights Act 1998 on the organising of street parties and other celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [34152]
§ Tessa Jowell[holding answer 7 February 2002]: I can see no reason for the Human Rights Act 1998 to obstruct the organisation of street parties and other celebrations. Apart from the proposed regulatory reform order to extend licensing hours on the night of 3 June, no legislation is being enacted specifically to apply to the Golden Jubilee celebrations. I would expect those organising parties and other Jubilee events, including local authorities where street parties are being held, to consider the impact of all relevant legislation which will apply during the Jubilee celebrations as at any other time.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the Government plans to mark the occasion of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [34049]
§ Tessa JowellI refer the hon. Member to the announcements made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23 November 2000 and 22 June 2001. Also relevant is the joint Home Office and Ministry of Defence press notice of 15 February 2001, in which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the Golden Jubilee commemorative medal.
After taking on responsibility for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, I announced on 3 August 2001 details of the extended bank holiday 'Jubilee Weekend' over the period 1 to 4 June 2002. On 4 December 2001, I announced that the distribution of the Golden Jubilee medal had been 1199W widened beyond the armed forces and Royal Fleet Auxiliary to include the emergency services. Copies of both press notices are in the Library of the House.