§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he has entertained Labour hon. Members at public expense in the last 12 months; and at what cost.[106397]
§ Mr. CaplinMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence hosted the annual Defence Council Reception to which Members of all parties with a defence interest were invited. A small reception was also held for all Members of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee. The combined cost of these two functions was £7,848.
Defence Ministers also host lunches and dinners for foreign defence Ministers who are visiting the United Kingdom on official business. A Member with a connection to that country, for example the Chair of an all-Party group, may be invited to this even irrespective of party.
Any other expenditure is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
All expenditure incurred is in accordance with Paragraph 65 of the Ministerial Code.