To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his Department’s expenditure was on hospitality and entertainment in (a) 1996-97 and (b) 2005-06. (114024)

The amount spent on hospitality and entertainment in 1996-97 and 2005-06 was as follows:

Expenditure incurred on hospitality by the Northern Ireland Office includes accommodation and hospitality for members of the royal family, visiting dignitaries and Heads of State, and also hospitality for the representatives of business, voluntary and community sectors in Northern Ireland attending the annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle.