§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many receptions have been held in his Department since he took office; how many people have attended; and what was the total cost of these events. [25178]
§ Mr. Robin Cook[holding answer 23 January 1998]: Since 1 May 1997, FCO Ministers have hosted 17 receptions attended by approximately 3,400 people at a cost of £42,786.51 (two bills are outstanding).