§ Mr. DjanoglyTo ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer how much will be spent on(a) entertaining, (b) Christmas decorations and (c) other festive activities this Christmas season by his Department and Government agencies answerable to his Department; and of this sum how much will be spent in ministers' (i) private offices and (ii) official residences. [88127]
§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 19 December 2002]: The information requested is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, expenditure incurred on entertainment, decorations and other festive activities is strictly for official purposes only, and is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government accounting.