HC Deb 03 July 2002 vol 388 cc391-2W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what publicly owned accommodation is made available to him in his official role; how many nights he has been in residence at each of these properties in the last 12 months; and what the total cost is of maintaining each of these properties. [55103]

Dr. John Reid

Accommodation in Hillsborough Castle is made available to me as a residence while in Northern Ireland. The Castle is also Her Majesty the Queen's residence in the province, is used as a conference centre, hosts charity fund raising events and is open to the public.

Between April 2001 and March 2002 I stayed there for 144 nights and between March 2002 and May 2002 I have stayed for 29 nights.

The total running costs for Hillsborough Castle for the last financial year were £1.1 million.