With the approach of Christmas and the end of year, I wish to remind Ministers, Chief Executives and all senior officials of the prevailing instructions regarding permissible expenditure of State funds on Christmas and end of year celebrations.

The instructions are contained in Memorandum 91-4 dealing with 'Out-of Pocket Expenses' issued on 30th January, 1991. A copy of that Memorandum is attached.

It will be noted that for expenditure to be a permissible charge against State funds, it must not be incurred on an event which provides predominantly personal benefit to a Minister, members of their family or friends, or officials of an organisation coming under the Minister's responsibility. A similar condition applies to State officials.

I stress also the importance in these difficult financial times that any publicly funded reception, or similar event to mark Christmas and the end of year be of an appropriately modest dimension and content.

I would be pleased if you would ensure the observation of this requirement by all departments and authorities falling within your area of administration.

Premier

L. Quinnell (ext. 5982)