HC Deb 14 July 1993 vol 228 cc504-5W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell), of 5 July,Official Report, column 11, what charges are made to organisations or persons holding non-official events at 10 Downing street in respect of overheads or indirect costs associated with such functions.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 9 July 1993]: The practice under this and previous Administrations is that the organisers are responsible for all catering and staff costs, as well as other miscellaneous direct costs. No charges are levied for overheads or indirect costs.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newham North-West (Mr. Banks) on 5 July,Official Report, column 11, whether all political parties represented in the House can apply to use 10 Downing Street for fund raising and other social purposes.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 9 July 1993] : As under previous Administrations, the use of 10 Downing street for non-official or party functions is a matter for the Prime Minister.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 11, which Ministers have hosted non-official or party receptions or functions in 10 Downing street since 1979.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 13 July 19931]: I have hosted all such events since November 1990.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, columns 11–12, if he will give details of the occasions upon which No. 10 Downing street was used for functions for which tickets were sold for the benefit of political parties since 1979.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 13 July 1993]: As I said in the reply to which the hon. Member refers, that is not a matter for the Government.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 12, on attendance by Mr. Asil Nadir at functions at No. 10 Downing street, which of the functions attended were Government functions; and who issued the invitation in each such case.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 13 July 1993]: The only Government function was the dinner for the President of Turkey. For all the functions, invitations would have been issued in the name of the Prime Minister.