§ Mr. DjanoglyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many departmental Christmas cards he and his Ministers sent in 2002; how much these cards will cost(a) to buy (b) to post and (c) in staff time to sign, address and place in envelopes; and if he will place in the Library a sample copy of the official Christmas card he has sent this year. [88102]
§ Ruth Kelly[holding answer 19 December 2002]: A total of 2,440 departmental Christmas cards were purchased for Treasury Ministers at a total cost of £1,912.18. All expenditure incurred in the purchase and despatch of official Christmas cards is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting. The Treasury Christmas card was produced by Card Aid which donates all profit to charity. A sample copy of the card will be placed in the Library of the House.