§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of the expenditure by(a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on official hospitality for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96, (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997. [15210]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 11 November 1997]: Disaggregated information is the form requested in respect of non-departmental public bodies, and for the financial year 1980–81 in respect of the Department and it agencies, could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The other information is as follows (please note the figures are not directly comparable because of Machinery of Government changes over the period):
impact on employment in the United Kingdom. We will use our influence to ensure that any new legislation promotes flexibility and employability and contributes to competitiveness, without placing excessive burdens on businesses.