§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list Government expenditure on Ministerial hospitality at current prices(a)for the financial years (i) 1993–94, (ii) 1994–95, (iii) 1995–96 and (iv) 1996–97 and (b)from 1 May 1997. [28965]
§ The Prime MinisterExpenditure on Ministerial entertaining and hospitality for official purposes for 1993–94 is not available. For the later years in real terms it is estimated as follows.
Year £ million 1994–95 2.0 1995–96 1.8 1996–97 2.0 1 May 1997 onwards 0.9 These figures for 1994–95 and 1995–96 do not include expenditure falling to the Ministry of Defence as figures are not yet available.
§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 28 January 1998,Official Report, column 342, what was the total cost of Government hospitality between 1 May 1997 and 1 February 1998; and what was the figure for the equivalent period in 1996–97. [26855]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 2 February 1998]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) today.