§ 39. Mr. Burdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is taken to ensure than money spent on Government entertaining is wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of departmental duties; and if he will give an assurance that this is given the same scrutiny to which taxation officers subject the claims made by individuals employed in business and who are now allowed entertainment expenses only when it applies to foreign buyers.
§ Mr. CallaghanExpenditure on Government entertaining is subject to the same strict financial control and accounting procedure as other expenditure from public funds. This provides appropriate safeguards against abuse.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why it is not possible for Government Departments to specify the proportion of the £125,000 spent last year on Government entertainment that was used exclusively on hospitality for overseas visitors, in view of the fact this information is required of firms and individuals engaged in commerce in order to justify income tax relief on entertaining.
§ Mr. CallaghanIt would be possible but the expense of doing so would not be justified.