§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list planned expenditure on hospitality for April and May, indicating the date, location and purpose of each event. [35111]
§ Dr. David ClarkFor these purposes, my answer covers major events planned for April and May which will be paid for from the Cabinet Office's votes. This includes expenditure by the Prime Minister's Office, the Minister without Portfolio's Office as well as the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service. It is not possible to provide a comprehensive estimate for total expenditure on Ministerial hospitality as the majority of these events will not be finalised until nearer the time.
The Prime Minister is planning to host ten major events, ranging from informal receptions to formal dinners, half of which are related to the G8 Heads of Government meeting.
473WThe Chancellor of the Duchy is planning to host one major event with EU Ministers.
The Minister without Portfolio and the Parliamentary Secretary have no plans to host major events during April and May.
In addition there are three other events connected with the G8 meeting, which will be hosted by other Ministers, but paid for by the Cabinet Office.