HC Deb 01 March 1972 vol 832 c109W
53. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, the amount of money spent out of the Government's Hospitality Fund for entertainment at No. 10 Downing Street; and how much was spent during the period of 18th and 19th February on purchasing food and drink for the miners.

Mr. Amery

During the financial years 1966–67 to date the disbursements from the Government Hospitality Fund for entertainment at No. 10 Downing Street have been as follows: —

1966–67 £5,079.31
1967–68 £5,264.81
1968–69 £4,068.88
1969–70 £8,287.04
1970–71 April-June £1,565.17
July-March £1,740.79
April, 1971–January, 1972 inclusive £5,903.55

Since discussions continued throughout the evening of 18th–19th February refreshments were provided for the representatives of the National Coal Board and the National Union of Miners. These were not a charge against the Government Hospitality Fund.