Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 133964 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Electronic Purchasing Card Solution, what type of furniture was hired from the company concerned; and what purpose it had at the functions described.

The purchases from Capital Pinball on the dates noted relate to table, chair, marquee, cutlery and crockery hire for larger scale functions at the British High Commission in Canberra and at Westminster House, the High Commissioner's official Residence in Canberra.

These events included the Queen's Birthday Party, a reception to mark the end of the UK-hosted COP26 and a lunch with Australian Chevening scholars. Guests included Ministers, parliamentarians, indigenous leaders and other key stakeholders.

The exchange of gifts and hospitality has long been an important part of building relations and diplomacy. All expenses undergo rigorous oversight to ensure they are reasonable and adhere to FCDO spending regulations.