Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's policy is on alcohol consumption on the premises (a) in general and (b) during parties in his Private Office.

Policy on the consumption of alcohol on the premises applies to all civil servants working in Core Defra.

The Core Defra Code of conduct states that employees must not consume alcohol on Defra premises except in organised social/launch events where permission is granted by a Senior Manager (Grade 6 or above). Civil servants must present for work in a fit state and never under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.