§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 November, if he will list the functions held at(a) No. 10 Downing street and (b) Chequers since November 1990, where the cost of refreshments was paid for by a political party; how many guests attended; how much expenditure was reimbursed in each case; and what charge was made for the hire of facilities.
§ The Prime MinisterThirty-nine occasions have been held at 10 Downing street or Chequers where the cost of refreshments was paid for by the Conservative party. As under previous Administrations, no charge was made for the hire of facilities. Expenditure is billed directly to the organisation concerned and no central records kept.
§ Mr. DowdTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 29 November,Official Report, column 325, regarding fuel costs of official residences, if he will provide the names of the chairs of trustees for (a) Chequers, (b) Dorneywood and (c) Chevening.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 2 December]: The Lord Privy Seal is the chairman of the board of trustees of both Chequers and Chevening. In the case of Dorneywood, the chairman is elected on an "ad hoc" basis at every meeting. The Lord Privy Seal is a member of the board of trustees and, in practice, it is customary for him to chair meetings if he is present.