HC Deb 18 April 1988 vol 131 c332W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department on official hospitality in the financial year 1987–88.

Mr. Sainsbury

The amount spent on official hospitality in the financial year 1987–88 was £3,111,845. The amount quoted represents total expenditure borne on defence votes for the provision of official entertainment, apart from a small element of expenditure overseas which has yet to be brought to account. The figure includes therefore expenditure incurred not only by the Ministry of Defence itself, but also by formations and establishments of the armed forces at home and overseas, and by individual officers occupying command and international appointments for which entertainment allowances are payable.