Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his Department's policy is on alcohol consumption on the premises (a) in general and (b) during parties in his Private Office.
Alcohol may only be provided at special events, within strict cost limits and with the prior approval of the Department’s Director General for Finance. Public money is not used to fund occasions such as social gatherings, retirement or office parties.
We also encourage the provision of non-alcohol drinks at all these events. Any parties held in Private Offices will follow the same guidelines as Departmental policy.