§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department plans to spend on celebrating Christmas and the new year. [7585]
§ Mr. HanleyThe normal course of official entertainment in pursuit of the Department's objectives includes events during the festive season. Their cost is not recorded separately, but is included in the running cost expenditure which is published in the annual departmental report. To produce the information requested would require consulting all overseas posts and departments in London, and would involve disproportionate cost. The cost of the Department's staff Christmas parties is met by the staff themselves.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department will spend on Christmas trees and decorations this year; how many Christmas trees will be bought for his Department's headquarters; and what are the type and country of origin of the trees. [7570]
§ Mr. HanleyThis year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will spend £1,126 on Christmas trees and decorations One tree will be brought for the main FCO building in King Charles street. It is a Norwegian spruce imported by the supplier from Norway and cost £325.