§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what definition applies to the terms(a) occupied and (b) unoccupied in respect of royal palaces. [125330]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 11 July 2003]An occupied royal palace is an official residence where members of the royal family live and carry out official duties. The unoccupied royal palaces were previously, but are no longer, used by members of the royal family.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what authorisation process is applied by the Department for the occupation of a royal palace. [125331]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 11 July 2003]The occupied palaces arc owned by the Queen as Sovereign on behalf of the nation. How the properties are used in fulfilling the requirements and functions of the Head of State is a matter for Her Majesty the Queen, although proposals are discussed with this Department wherever appropriate.