Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any files relating to the overseas travel or official engagements of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his capacity as UK Special Representative or Trade Envoy have been withheld, removed, or redacted from transfer to the National Archives under exemptions in the Public Records Act 1958; and what public interest test has been applied to those decisions.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 February in response to Question 111463, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to operate in accordance with these statutory obligations. The FCDO does not set the legislation nor define which individuals are covered by the legislation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 26 March 2025 (HL5660), and in light of recent disclosures arising from the release of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, whether they will consider undertaking a review of records relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's activities as UK global trade envoy.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 February in response to Question 111463, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to operate in accordance with these statutory obligations. The FCDO does not set the legislation nor define which individuals are covered by the legislation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 26 February 2025 (HL5095), what arrangements they are making for the review of the Sovereign Grant this year; and when they plan to bring forward the legislation to implement the reduction of the Sovereign Grant from financial year 2027-28.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

As required by the Sovereign Grant Act 2011, the next review of the Sovereign Grant will take place this year. In addition, the Government has committed to bring forward legislation to reset the Grant to a lower level from 2027-28 once Buckingham Palace reservicing works are completed.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government in light of recent disclosures arising from the release of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, whether they will review the transparency arrangements that apply when individuals undertake official duties on behalf of the Government without being Ministers or civil servants; and whether they will consider introducing a publicly accessible register of relevant interests in such circumstances.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies sets out the personal and professional standards expected from non-executive board members of UK public bodies, including the transparency arrangements that apply in relation to conflicts of interest.

Separately, as the Leader of the House of Lords set out in her statement to the House on 10 February, the government will look closely at our system for providing transparency around lobbying, and will continue to update the House on this matter.