Government Hospitality

HC Deb 28 July 1976 vol 916 cc244-5W

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will give for the latest convenient stated date the total expenditure on Government hospitality; how this compares with the previous year; what would be the savings per year if such expenditure ceased; and whether, in view of the Government's policy of cuts to public expenditure, he will take action to end this expenditure.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

The expenditure from the Government Hospitality Fund for the last four financial years has been:

				£
1972–73	…	…	…	252,478
1973–74	…	…	…	262,061
1974–75	…	…	…	243,537
1975–76	…	…	…	285,209

As I said in reply to another Question from my hon. Friend on 19th July—[Vol. 915, c. 330]—the expenditure involved is modest by comparison with the good will generated among distinguished visitors from overseas; Her Majesty's Government have, therefore, no intention of bringing to an end this necessary courtesy, and its related expenditure.