To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how much the Government Equalities Office spent on Ministerial hospitality in each financial year since the Office was established. (241247)

No such hospitality costs have been incurred. Since its establishment on 12 October 2007 the Government Equalities Office has funded nine ministerial receptions. Details of these are shown on 19 November 2008, Official Report, column 473W and 10 March 2008, Official Report, column 4W. The cost of the receptions includes room hire and catering charges for refreshments for delegates but in accordance with usual departmental practice these costs are not classified as hospitality, which is taken to be lunch or dinner provided to visitors from outside the Department.