§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list planned expenditure on hospitality for April and May, indicating the date, location and purpose of each event. [35125]
§ Mr. DewarThe main events planned for April and May are a reception in Edinburgh Castle on 3 April for key overseas delegates attending the Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference in Edinburgh; a reception in Bute House on 7 April to mark the 10th Edinburgh International Science Festival; a reception in Stirling Castle on 16 April for delegates attending a Scottish Office and Department for Education and Employment conference on EU Language Learning; and a reception in Edinburgh Castle on 13 May for delegates attending the Annual Meeting of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. The total cost of these events is estimated at £7,000. It is not, however, possible to provide a comprehensive estimate of total expenditure on hospitality as some events will not be finalised until nearer the time.