To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Christmas parties his Department plans to host in 2009; what has been budgeted for each such reception; what estimate he has made of the proportion of (a) lamb, (b) beef, (c) chicken, (d) pork, (e) turkey, (f) other meats, (g) vegetables, (h) fruit and (i) alcohol to be served at each such function which is produced in the UK; and if he will make a statement. (300865)

The Treasury does not plan to host any Christmas parties in 2009. Where parties are held within the Department, these are arranged and paid for by staff themselves.