§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much his Department will spend on Christmas trees and decorations this year; how many Christmas trees will be bought for his Department's headquarters; and what are the type and country of origin of the trees; [7571]
(2) how much his Department plans to spend on celebrating Christmas and the new year. [7586]
§ Mr. Howard[holding answers 6 November 1996]: The full information requested is not held centrally and could be collected only at disproportionate cost.
It is expected that Home Office expenditure on official Christmas cards will be in the region of £2,000.
Most Christmas decorations are paid for privately by members of staff. One artificial tree has been purchased for the Home Office building in Queen Anne's Gate at a cost of £75. It is being used as a focal point for a Christmas challenge to members of the Home Office to undertake voluntary work in Westminster during the Christmas season.