§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether government departments will adopt the Home Office policy that alcohol should not be provided from public funds for staff at official events held during normal working hours, but without the exception for senior management celebrating success and achievement. [HL3772]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonIndividual departments are responsible for determining their own policy and rules on official entertainment. Departmental rules and procedures are set out in staff handbooks, and must reflect the principles of propriety and financial regularity set out in theCivil Service Management Code and Government Accounting.