asked the Minister for Local Government the number of Christmas cards sent out by him and his Parliamentary Secretary; the purchase cost; and the cost of postage.

The number of Christmas cards sent by me was 580 and the purchase cost was £65.95.

My Parliamentary Secretary sent 1,360 cards and the purchase cost was borne by himself.

The cards were despatched as departmental post and there is no separate record of the postage cost, but it is estimated at £29 and £68 respectively.

Can the Minister indicate what his predecessor's cards cost?

I am not interested in that.

Is it not a fact they cost six times that amount?

Order. Question No. 47.