§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he is to hold an official party and reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 450W foundation of the Government Hospitality Fund; who will be invited and at what costs to public funds; and whether those Members of Parliament with 25 years and more of membership who have never been invited to participate in expenditure from the Fund will, on this special occasion, receive an invitation to be present.
§ Mr. AmeryThe reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of the Government Hospitality Fund will be held on 2nd March.
Those invited will include members of the Government and the Opposition, officials connected with the work of Government Hospitality and representatives of outside bodies who have served the Fund over a considerable period of time.
The cost to public funds cannot at present be precisely determined as it depends on the numbers who attend and the refreshments consumed. If there are any Members of Parliament with 25 years and more of membership who have never been invited to attend any Government function and who feel that they have contributed to the work of Government Hospitality I shall be glad to consider them for an invitation on this special occasion.