§ Q2. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will give, for the most recent available date, the amount expended upon official functions at No. 10 Downing Street, itemising the expenditure in as much detail as may be convenient.
§ The Prime MinisterAbout £5,800 since the General Election.
§ Mr. LewisHas the Prime Minister's attention been drawn to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster that, provided he has enough cognac and coffee, he can resolve any problem, including the problem of getting into the Common Market? Will the Prime Minister see that he stops having any cognac or coffee at No. 10 Downing Street?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend was referring to the need for sustenance in the late hours during the negotiations in Brussels—an experience which I have shared in the past. He was not referring to functions at No. 10 Downing Street.
§ Mr. Jeffrey ArcherCan my right hon. Friend confirm that the problem of official functions since he has become Prime Minister is not that more people have been invited to No. 10 Downing Street but that more have accepted?
§ The Prime MinisterSince expenditure on official functions at 10 Downing Street in the last 10 months of the previous Administration was, I understand, around £8,700, compared with £5,800 in the first 10 months of this Administration, I am not sure that my hon. Friend's argument can be correct.