HC Deb 15 June 1977 vol 933 cc169-70W
Mr. Madden

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make arrangements for the names of Members sponsoring functions in the House of Commons to be recorded and made available to public inspection.

Dr. Reginald Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

No. It has always been the policy not to release details of functions sponsored by Members, and the Catering Sub-Committee has recently agreed not to change this practice.

Mr. Madden

asked the Lord President of the Council what was the total cost to public funds of functions held in the House of Commons during parliamentary recesses over the past year.

Dr. Reginald Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

None.

Mr. Madden

asked the Lord President of the Council what steps are being taken to ensure that functions in the House of Commons, where non-Members attend functions sponsored by Members, are charged at a commercial rate.

Dr. Reginald Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

These functions are run on a profitable basis.

Mr. Madden

asked the Lord President of the Council what was the total cost to public funds of functions held in the House of Commons on Thursday 9th June.

Dr. Reginald Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

None. Special facilities were made tor Members and staff of the House for that evening and in addition all the banqueting facilities were utilised. The gross profit for the evening's activities came to £4,575, of which £3,207 derived from the private functions.

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