Government Hospitality Wine Cellar: Annual Report

Monday 11th September 2017 Written Statements

[The Minister for Europe and the Americas (Sir Alan Duncan)]

I have today placed a copy of the Government Hospitality Wine Cellar Annual Report for the Financial Year 2016-17 in the Libraries of both Houses.

Following the outcome of the review of the Government Hospitality Wine Cellar in 2011, this sixth annual report or statement continues our commitment to annual reports to Parliament on the use of the Wine Cellar, covering consumption, stock purchases, costs, and value for money. The Wine Cellar has been self-funding since 2011-12, through the sale of some high-value stock and payments made by other Government Departments for events organised by Government hospitality.

The report notes that:

Consumption by volume fell by 12% in FY 2016-17 due to fewer Government events, particularly during the EU referendum period.

Sales of stock amounted to £40,800 (cf. £40,390 in FY 15-16);

Further funds from other Government Departments added £16,234 to the overall receipts (cf. £15,848 in 15-16);

Purchases amounted to £45,042, an increase of 12% by value cf. £40,177 in 15-16;

The highest volume of purchases was of English wines at 49% of the total;

The highest consumption level by volume was again of English and Welsh wine, at 52% of the total (cf. 44% in 15-16).

[HCWS122]