§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the actual or estimated total cost of the official cocktail party held at his invitation at the Culloden Hotel on Monday, 23rd July; how much of the cost is accounted for by alcoholic drink, transport, security and hire of accommodation, respectively; and whether the Northern Ireland Exchequer and Audit Department will have an opportunity of examining the accounts in due course.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe estimated total cost of the party, which I gave on 23rd July at the Culloden Hotel for the purpose of entertaining and welcoming the newly-elected members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, was £200. The estimated costs were £180 for food and drink and £20 for the hire of accommodation. No extra costs were involved for transport or security. The costs will be borne as official entertainment by the Northern Ireland Office and the final accounts will be available for examination in the normal way by the Comptroller and Auditor General.