§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the total cost to public funds of government hospitality during the current meeting of European Justice Ministers; how many people attended the meeting of Ministers; what is the cost per head; and whether the costs were approved by the Lord Chancellor. [HL2777]
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)With most of the accounts now received, the projected final cost of mounting the conference as a whole is £133,314.35 (excluding VAT). Two hundred and two delegates, including Ministers and officials, attended, equating to a cost of £659.97 per head. This figure was within the budgetary ceiling that I approved.