To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures are in place to limit the amount of money spent on alcohol for hospitality purposes by his Department. (132189)

Any expenditure on alcohol for hospitality purposes is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Government Accounting and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety.

Accordingly alcohol is provided only as an exception and only with the specific written authority of a small number of designated senior civil servants.