Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the (a) level and (b) source was of departmental income arising from unclaimed lost property in the Royal parks in the last period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. [52577] Mr. Lammy: When the Royal parks constabulary policed the Royal parks, unclaimed lost property was auctioned off periodically and the income from sales went to the Royal parks. Income from lost property for 2003–04, the last year that the Royal parks constabulary policed the parks, amounted to £2,574. The income for 2003–04 came from two sources, Lloyds International Auction Galleries (£2,282) and cash found in the parks (£292). The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) took over policing the Royal parks in April 2004. Since then unclaimed lost property has been dealt with centrally and that which is saleable is eventually auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Police Benevolent Fund. |