Asked by: Ruth Cadbury (Labour - Brentford and Isleworth)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the transparency data entitled DIT's ePCS spending over £500 for October 2022, published on 24 February 2023, for what reason £620 was spent on a restaurant on 9 October 2022.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
This was the charge for a group meal for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiations team, who were travelling for negotiations. The charge does not include any alcohol and was within the recommended Departmental spending limit.
Asked by: Ruth Cadbury (Labour - Brentford and Isleworth)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the transparency data entitled DIT's ePCS spending over £500 for October 2022, published on 24 February 2023, for what reason £1,326 was spent on a restaurant on 10 October 2022.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
This spend was on catering for an official reception during the third round of CPTPP negotiations. Negotiators from all CPTPP members attending the negotiations in-person were invited. There were approximately 60 guests.
Asked by: Ruth Cadbury (Labour - Brentford and Isleworth)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the press notice entitled New Defence Export Advocate appointed to drive UK defence exports, published on 25 January 2023, what the appointment process was for that role; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
This Department recently announced that my Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade had appointed my noble Friend Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton in a newly created role as the Defence Export Advocate. The appointment was made in-line with Cabinet Office Direct Appointment procedures.
The Defence Export Advocate role requires an individual with credibility in international, political and military circles, and experience of working in defence and on UK defence policy. Lord Lancaster's current role in the House of Lords and his previous experience as a Defence minister and as an active Brigadier in the Army Reserves provides him with this. Lord Lancaster will engage with industry leaders, ministers and other key players both in the UK and overseas to drive forward UK defence exports.
Asked by: Ruth Cadbury (Labour - Brentford and Isleworth)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the transparency data entitled DIT's ePCS spending over £500 for October 2022, published on 24 February 2023, for what reason £1,038 was spent on a hotel on 21 October 2022.
Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
The hotel expenditure relates to 5 nights (16-20 Oct 22) accommodation for UK Defence and Security Export’s Deputy Director, who attended Def Expo India.