§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total cost of ministerial hospitality in his Department in the years 1983–84 and 1984–85 to date.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 28 March 1985, c. 332]: The total cost of Environment Ministers hospitality during 1983–84 was £5,756 and in 1984–85 £11,758. Expenditure for 1983–84 was abnormally low because of a long interruption of ministerial programmes of engagements caused by the general election, and expenditure for 1984–85 was increased by expenditure incurred in hosting the meeting of the Environment Ministers of the summit countries.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which grades of civil servants in his Department are allowed to have official supplies of alcohol in their offices; how much has been spent by his Department in each year since 1979–1980 on such items.
§ Mr. Macfarlane[pursuant to his reply, 28 March 1985, c. 332]: The figures given for expenditure on drinks cabinets of DOE officials were inaccurate in two respects. These should have read £160 for 1982–83 and £297 for 1983–84.