Cameron hosted the Freemasons for tea
Thursday, 4 February 2010 12:00 AM
By Ian Dunt
David Cameron hosted a set of lady freemasons for tea in parliament, according to new details released today.
The Commons banqueting office released the detail of rooms booked by MPs for hosting various functions over a five year period this morning.
The Tory leader proved far more hospitable than Gordon Brown or Nick Clegg, who did not appear to have booked any rooms.
Among the 16 bookings he secured, Mr Cameron hosted three receptions for the Dental Health Foundation, and launched National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Week from a separate booking.
The West Oxfordshire Lady Freemasons were invited for tea in October 2008.
MPs, peers, all-party groups and committees can book out rooms for dining, but must pay for any food.
MPs and peers cannot use the facilities for "direct or indirect financial or material gain by a sponsor, political party, or any other person or outside organisation," according to the rules. This does not apply to charities.
They may, however, hold an event in which they have an interest, as long as they declare it.
The vast majority of bookings conform to causes MPs are known to have an interest in, but early questions about possible conflicts of interest have already been raised.
For instance, former health secretary Patricia Hewitt hosted events for BT in December 2008 and February 2009. She became a non-executive director of the company in March 2008.
John Denham, communities secretary, hosted a breakfast for AXA Derbak in June 2006, before he joined the Cabinet. In July 2006 he declared a one-off consultancy with AXA "to advise on a research project and publication on employer pension provision" for which he received up to £5,000.
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