§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much her Department spent on official hospitality in 1994–95 and the financial year to date; and what is the 1995–96 projected budget for official hospitality. [5576]
§ Mr. SproatIn 1994–95 the cost of hospitality for my Department, including the Historic Royal Palaces agency and the Royal Parks agency, which is included in the running cost budget for my Department, was £55,142. Figures for the financial year to date are £63,087. The projected budget for 1995–96 is £93,600.
The difference between the cost of hospitality in 19954–95 and the projected budget for 1995–96 reflects a significant underspend in 1994–95 and an increase in 1995–96 to include provision for the launch of a major new exhibition in the Mantegna gallery at Hampton Court palace.