asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on ministerial accountability for the Crown Estate Commissioners in respect of policy decisions taken by them.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland are accountable for any directions that might be given to the Crown Estate Commissioners as to the discharge of their functions under the Crown Estate Act 1961. The commissioners are required to provide the Treasury with accounts and other returns and with estimates of future receipts and expenditure. Treasury approval is also required for the salary of the commissioners and the numbers and conditions of service of their staff.