Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department’s publication of government procurement card spending over £500 for July 2022, what was the (a) nature and (b) purpose of the services for which Barnard and Westood Ltd. were paid £1,328.60 on 23 August 2022.

The nature of expenditure was the printing for the Ceremonial programme of the State Opening of Parliament. The purpose was so that guests invited were able to follow the Order of Service during the Ceremony.

It is a long-standing practice over many years for the government to meet these costs. For example, in 2007, the government had a budget of £1,000 for such costs.