PMQT Written Answers – 27 March 1996

Below is the text of the written answers relating to Prime Minister’s Question Time from 27th March 1996.

PRIME MINISTER:

Departmental Equipment and Furniture

Mr. Ian McCartney: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the cost and number of items of equipment and furniture that (a) have been stolen and (b) are otherwise unaccounted for from the Cabinet Office and its agencies

in each of the past five years, listing by name any such items valued at £5,000 or more, and showing information technology material separately.

The Prime Minister: For this purpose, my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 26 March.

Duchy Lands and Assets

Mr. Flynn: To ask the Prime Minister if the lands and assets of the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall are the property of Her Majesty’s Government.

The Prime Minister [holding answer 25 March 1996]: No. Formal title to the lands of the Duchy of Lancaster is vested in the sovereign and of the Duchy of Cornwall in the Prince of Wales. However, neither the sovereign nor the Prince of Wales is able to dispose of the estates’ capital; they are entitled only to the annual income.

Equal Opportunities

Mr. David Shaw: To ask the Prime Minister what amounts of money have been paid out by (a) his Department and (b) executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other organisations for which he is accountable to Parliament, to how many staff or former staff in respect of (i) alleged equal opportunities breaches which do not proceed to tribunals or courts and (ii) equal opportunities breaches which proceeded to tribunals or courts in (1) the current year and (2) the two previous years.

The Prime Minister: For these purposes my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on 26 March.