§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how much was spent by Ministers in her Department on food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for entertainment purposes in each of the last five years; [47053]
(2) how much was spent by departmental special advisers on food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for official entertainment purposes in each of the last five years. [46846]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The total cost of entertainment—including food, alcohol and non-alcoholic drink for each of the last five years is as follows. These figures combine total costs for Ministers' offices and special advisers.
Financial year Total (£) 1997–98 13,339 1998–99 23,088 1999–2000 18,202 2000–01 16,319 Complete data are not yet available for 2001–02.