Tiger_mate,
You may find that your internet offer for a hotel is fully paid for in advance and not refundable nor can be cancelled.
Booked through HRG you will find that the price reflects a booking that can be cancelled.
Should individuals book through the internet and pay in advance, then find meetings etc cancelled, I would suspect all would put in their claims anyhow meaning the public purse pays for meetings etc not even attended - press would have a field day!!
Naturally some bookings can be done which can be cancelled and everyone can do so up to the limits specified unde current regulations.
No offence, but that smells like bull****
I've never cancelled accommodation outside of 24 hrs prior to arrival and incurred any charge whatsoever. If MoD cops it it is THEY who are ****ing up.