24 February 2010

Margaret Sykes

By email: request-27880-001bc9ba@whatdothey know.com

Dear Margaret,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000: REQUEST 27 January 2010 - REFERENCE 0087-10

I refer to your request under the above legislation for information received on 27 January 2010 requiring:

“..information about British Embassy Washington's spend on entertainment in the 2009 calendar or fiscal year

Between 01 April 2009 and 31 January 2010, a total of 56 FCO (UK-based and senior locally-engaged) staff at the British Embassy in Washington spent £210,333 on official entertainment. These funds are used in the pursuit of UK policies and objectives and enable us to reach out to senior figures in  government, business, think-tanks and universities, non-governmental organisations and other influential bodies.  

This total figure includes expenditure by the Ambassador who, during this period, accommodated approximately 178 UK Ministers and other official visitors at the Residence, as well as hosting over 8,400 people at receptions, dinners, lunches and other events.

If you are unhappy with the decisions made in relation to your request you may ask for an internal review by writing to me at the above address. You have 40 working days to do so.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely

Justine Allan

US Section

North America Team

Tel: 0207 008 2664

E-mail: [email address]

Americas Directorate

King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AH

Fax: 0207 008 2619

www.fco.gov.uk