asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost to public funds of the use of a helicopter of The Queen's Flight on the occasion of Princess Anne's journey between her home at Gatcombe Park and Burghfield, near Reading, on the evening of 22nd November who authorised the use of the helicopter on this occasion; and how many Service personnel were involved.
HRH Princess Anne visited HMS"Dauntless ", the Women's Royal Naval Service Training Establishment near Reading, in her capacity as Chief Commandant Women's Royal Naval Service and in pursuance of her official duties. Such flights by members of the Royal Family are borne on Defence funds as part of the annual cost of The Queen's Flight and are not costed individually. As is the practice in these cases, the request was made initially by HRH's Household and was approved by the Palace and by the Ministry of Defence.Approximately 16 Service personnel all belonging to The Queen's Flight were involved in supporting the task and their shift duty period was adjusted to suit the timings of the flight. None, therefore, worked overtime.