Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department’s publication of government procurement card spending over £500, for what purpose (a) £582.18 was spent at The Clarence, Whitehall on 18 March 2022 and (b) £1,680.02 was spent at Walkers of Whitehall on 16 October 2022; and whether either event included any expenditure on alcoholic beverages.

The Clarence expenditure relates to hosting a delegation of technology experts visiting the UK as part of a programme of work related to Artificial Intelligence and Health. There was no expenditure on alcoholic beverages. The Walkers expenditure relates to hosting 160 technology experts visiting the UK. There was expenditure on alcoholic beverages. Expenditure was subject to normal FCDO controls and an appropriate use of public money. The exchange of gifts and hospitality has long been an important part of building relations and diplomacy.