HC Deb 30 November 1993 vol 233 cc414-5W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the fund-raising events for which(a) 10 Downing street and (b) Chequers have been used for events since he became Prime Minister; what events are planned for the future; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Since November 1990 there have been a total of 31 receptions, dinners or other functions at No. 10 Downing street for charities or voluntary bodies and three at Chequers. The organisations concerned were:

(a) 10 Downing street

  • NSPCC
  • Surrey County Cricket Club Youth Trust
  • Lords Taverners
  • MENCAP
  • Age Concern
  • EUREKA
  • Wordsworth Trust
  • Huntington's Disease Association
  • Action Research
  • Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust
  • National Council of Hospice and Specialist Palliative Care
  • Crossroads Care (two functions)
  • Animal Health Trust
  • ORT
  • Youth Clubs (UK)
  • ChildLine
  • Silver Trust
  • Marie Curie Cancer Care
  • Excalibur Scheme
  • Motability
  • Westminster Foundation for Democracy
  • London Community Cricket Association
  • International Spinal Research Trust
  • Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust
  • YMCA
  • Leeds International Piano Competition
  • Westminster Medical School Research Trust
  • The Shakespeare Globe Trust
  • National Council for Voluntary Organisations
  • Consortium for Street Children

(b) Chequers

  • MENCAP
  • ARC
  • CORDA

I am not prepared to give advance notice of functions at No. 10 or at Chequers, whether official or non-official.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to permit fund-raising events to be held at No. 10 Downing street; which organisations will be eligible to apply for such functions; and what charges will be levied for the use of the premises, attendance of staff and other costs which might otherwise fall on public funds.

The Prime Minister

When charitable or other non-official events are held at No. 10 Downing street, the organisers are responsible for all catering and staff costs, as well as other miscellaneous direct costs. Organisers may use the kitchens or other facilities at No. 10 Downing street.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Prime Minister how many functions have been held at 10 Downing street since 5 July at which funds have been raised for political parties, or for which tickets have been sold for the benefit of political parties.

The Prime Minister

None.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to allow 10 Downing Street to be made available to political parties other than the Conservative party for the purposes of fund raising.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 29 November 1993]: As under previous Administrations, the use of 10 Downing street for non-official or party functions is a matter for the Prime Minister.