§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that most local authorities hold annual mayoral and chairmanship receptions; what is his estimate of the total annual expenditure on such receptions; what would be the annual savings if these were totally abolished; and whether, in view of the Government's policy of public expenditure cuts, he will take action to introduce a ban on such expenditure.
§ Mr. John SilkinYes. But the figures requested are not readily available and I have no plans to impose such a restriction on local authorities.