To ask the Secretary of State for Health what budget his Department has allocated for Christmas parties in 2008, broken down by (a) directorate and (b) unit. (234363)

The Department has put aside no budget for Christmas parties in 2008.

In line with previous practice, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State may host a reception for journalists in December. The cost, expected to be less than last year’s cost of £1,079.30, would be met from the communications budget.