HC Deb 10 May 2001 vol 368 c347W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the entertainment budget for his Department was in each year from 1997 to date. [160101]

Mr. Wilson

Total worldwide entertainment expenditure amounted to £10.3 million in 1997–98, £9.3 million in 1998–99 and £11.2 million in 1999–2000. Figures for 2000–01 are not yet available. Expenditure on entertainment covers a wide range of activities including promotional and trade events, receptions in honour of high-level visitors, and events to establish and cultivate contacts; all were undertaken in pursuit of FCO objectives, both at home and in our 224 Posts overseas.

In addition, the FCO-administered Government Hospitality Fund, drawn upon by all Government Departments when entertaining overseas visitors, spent £1.2 million in 1997–98, £1.8 million in 1998–99, and £1.3 million in 1999–2000.

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