HC Deb 01 November 1966 vol 735 cc73-5W
93. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what has been the total cost of Government hospitality in each of the last five years; what steps he is taking, in view of the economic crisis, to reduce this expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prentice

The figures for the past five years are as follows:

£
1961–62 … … … 94,679
1962–63 … … … 131,495
1963–64 … … … 142,288
1964–65 … … … 159,876
1965–66 … … … 178,784

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the greatest care is taken to ensure that the cost of hospitality is not greater than is appropriate to extend to our guests from overseas.