HC Deb 15 July 2003 vol 409 c185W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what functions have had funding transferred from the grant in aid budget to the Civil List since May 1997, broken down by the(a) function transferred, (b) date of transfer and (c) current annual sum involved. [122118]

Mr. Caborn

In April 2001 a transfer of responsibilities occurred between the Civil List and the Property Services Grant in Aid. The following were transferred from the grant in aid to the Civil List at a cost of £724,000, enabling the grant in aid to take over financial responsibility for the Court Post Office:

  • congratulatory cards;
  • Gentlemen-at-arms and Yeomen of the Guard;
  • porter and non-domestic cleaners;
  • the Separate allocation, which is available to the Sovereign for use at her discretion for such things as furnishings; and
  • St. James's Palace state apartments.

The information on current costs is not readily available, but I shall write to the hon. Member and place copies of my letter in the Libraries of both Houses.