Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 December 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Meetings (Refreshments)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance is issued by her Department to officials on ordering refreshments for meetings at which (a) officials only will be present and (b) non-civil servants will be in attendance; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The following guidance is issued by my Department to staff when ordering refreshments for meetings.There is a general principle that refreshments should not be provided at public expense when only civil servants are present.Mid-morning and mid-afternoon refreshments (coffee or tea and biscuits) may be provided at public expense either with or without the presence of non-civil servants"for meetings to which some of those attending have travelled and when it is more efficient to continue the business of the meeting without a break; or""at training courses where it is more efficient to keep the delegates together and continue the course without a break."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 36190; 440 c1895-6W;440 c1895-6W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Civil servants Catering Government departments Meetings Department for Education and Skills
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk