To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department has spent on (a) alcohol and (b) food in each of the last five years. (261162)

The Wales Office hosts a limited number of receptions over a year to mark, for example St. David's Day. Parliamentarians, journalists and those with an interest in Welsh affairs are invited. In some years these have been supplemented by joint Wales Office/National Assembly for Wales receptions. The cost over the last five years were:

In 2005-06 the cost of a Cardiff reception included alcohol, but this was not listed separately, therefore has been included in the figure for food.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his Department's entertainment budget was in each of the last five years. (261283)

My Department does not have an entertainment budget, however in the last five years we have spent the following amount on receptions.

From 2005-06 figures are reckoned on a different basis to reflect costs more fully.