§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will give for the longest and most convenient stated period of time the amounts of money spent by the Crown Agents on entertainment what kind of entertainment was involved; and who participated.
§ Mr. Tomlinson, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 14th December 1977; Vol. 941, c. 257ߝ58], gave the following information:
The amounts spent by the Crown Agents on entertainment both in the United Kingdom and overseas in each of the years 1972 to 1976 inclusive were as follows:
The entertainment consisted of official receptions, guest luncheons—held fortnightly for three or four guests at a time—and hospitality for individuals.
£ 1972 19,500 1973 20,800 1974 19,500 1975 12,600 1976 15,000 Guests at official receptions and luncheons are drawn from the following: representatives of Crown Agents' principals, consultants, senior directors and managers of companies with whom the Crown Agents do business; senior staff of United Kingdom Government Departments and other official bodies with whom the Crown Agents have dealings; Members of Parliament and journalists with a particular interest in the Crown Agents and/or overseas development matters.
The hospitality provided for individuals is normally lunch at a restaurant, although dinner parties are also arranged occasionally. The guests are representatives of Crown Agents' principals and business associates.