HC Deb 20 July 1976 vol 915 c430W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that most local authorities hold annual mayoral and chairmanship receptions; what is his estimate of the total annual expenditure on such receptions; what would be the annual savings if these were totally abolished; and whether, in view of the Government's policy of public expenditure cuts, he will take action to introduce a ban on such expenditure.

Mr. John Silkin

Yes. But the figures requested are not readily available and I have no plans to impose such a restriction on local authorities.