HC Deb 03 December 2002 vol 395 cc710-1W
Mr. Christopher Chope

To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many hon. Members have been invited to bring children from their constituencies to a tea party at 10 Downing Street; how many have accepted; and what criteria are applied to choosing invitees; [85124]

(2) how many hon. Members have been invited to nominate adults from their constituency to tour the main State Rooms and Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street and the State Room at 11 Downing Street; how many have accepted; and what criteria are applied to choosing invitees. [85125]

The Prime Minister

Hon. Members from all parties are invited on a rolling programme to nominate and accompany a small group of children from their constituencies to have tea at 10 Downing Street and a small group of adults from their constituencies to come for a tour of the House. The criteria applied are that selection is made by the hon. Member in a fair and open way for children and adults with a particular interest in visiting 10 Downing Street. Since 1998 approximately 340 MPs have accepted invitations for children to come for tea and 95 MPs have accepted invitations for tours of the House.