Departments: Official Hospitality

David Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on hospitality by his Department in the financial year 2006-07.

Mr. Thomas
The total for entertainment within administration costs budgets for 2006-07 was £238,000.

This figure for entertainment includes working breakfasts and lunches, refreshments at meetings and official entertainment.

All entertainment is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Government Accounting.