PRINCE MICHAEL OF KENT'S ACCOMMODATION AT KENSINGTON PALACE

Early day motion 392, tabled 16 December 2002 by Alan Williams (Labour). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes the Press reports that, in future, ú125,000 a year is to be paid for the accommodation occupied at Kensington Palace by Prince Michael of Kent; calculate that at today's rental the Prince has already enjoyed a ú3 million gift from the taxpayer over the 24 years of his marriage; questions whether ú125,000 is the full market value of a seven bedroom, seven sitting room apartment adjoining the accommodation previously occupied by Princess Diana; notes that the rooms are on a truly palatial scale, whereas a more normal four bedroomed house nearby is being rented at more than ú95,000 p.a.; and invites the Royal Household to explain how the rental was arrived at when the apartment enjoys the benefit of being within a security screen.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 3.