§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Buckingham, of 11 March,Official Report, column 699W, on accommodation costs, what the cost was from April 2001 to March 2002 of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home; how many members of staff were so accommodated in the year in question; and what the average cost was per paid-for night of these stays. [61415]
§ Ms HewittFrom April 2001 to March 2002, the average cost per night of hotel accommodation for DTI staff working away from home was £80.10.
The DTI has devolved to local management the authorisation of travel claims for its staff, subject to checking procedures. It does not record details of the number of staff requiring hotel accommodation when working away from home. To provide the information requested would entail disproportionate cost.