To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the official residences for which his Department is responsible; who occupies each one; what the annual cost is of running each property; what contribution the occupants of each make towards running costs; what the total capital and refurbishment expenditure was on those properties in 2004-05; how much was spent in each property on (a) flowers and plants, (b) wine and entertaining, (c) food, (d) telephone bills and (e) electricity and gas in 2004-05; how many (i) domestic and (ii) maintenance staff are employed at each property, broken down by post; and what the total cost of staff employment was in 2004-05. (50880)

The Treasury is responsible for the upkeep of No. 11 Downing street and for the flat at No. 10 Downing street. No notable capital and refurbishment expenses were incurred in 2004-05. Electricity is estimated at £3,153, gas at £532 and water at £410.

The share of overall security costs is £26,204 and of maintenance is £14,773.

Information on the Treasury’s expenditure on official entertainment for 2004-05, the year in which Britain held the G8 Presidency, was given to the hon. Member by my colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for Health, the hon. Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis) on 14 February 2006, Official Report, column 1834. Further analysis in relation to food, alcohol, staff and accommodation could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

All expenditure on official entertainment is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in “Government Accounting”.

Telephone calls are included as part of the overall Downing street exchange.

Cleaning staff are part of the whole Downing street complex. There is one member of staff allocated to managing No.11 Downing street.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will answer Question 50880 tabled by the hon. Member for North East Hertfordshire on 7 February 2006, on official residences. (83032)

I have done so.