To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department negotiated the hire of the Leander for use by HRH Prince of Wales during his visit in March 2008 to the Caribbean; and if he will make a statement. (190629)

The Department for Transport has overall responsibility for the funding of official travel for members of The Royal Family. This is administered by The Royal Travel Office in Her Majesty The Queen’s Household.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official gifts HRH Prince of Wales will be presenting during his official visit to Caribbean countries in March 2008; and whether the cost of such gifts is to be met from public funds. (190733)

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will present official gifts to the hosts and those who are playing a significant part in the organisation of the visit. The nature of these gifts will follow long-standing precedents, but it would be inappropriate to specify them before their presentation to recipients. The cost of official gifts will be met from official funds.