§ Mr. James GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what hospitality has been offered at public expense in the last 12 months by each Minister in her Department to outside interest groups, broken down by(a) restaurants, (b) recipient and (c) cost in each case; [99591]
(2) what criteria Ministers in her Department use when determining whether to offer hospitality in restaurants to interest groups at public expense; and if she will make a statement; [99590]
(3) how often Ministers in her Department have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups in the last 12 months. [99514]
§ Margaret BeckettAll offers of hospitality are made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government accounting. The giving and receiving of hospitality is conducted fully in accordance with the guidance set out in the ministerial code, and guidance on contacts with outside interest groups including lobbyists. The detailed information requested is not held centrally, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.