§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment on what date the HSE began separately to itemise expenditure on overseas subsistence and travel by inspectors of principal grade and above in its budget.
§ Mr. ForthExpenditure on overseas travel and subsistence is not recorded separately from other travel and subsistence costs on HSE's accounting system.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many fraudulent claims by HSE principal grade and above inspectors have been identified in each of the last four years; and what action has been taken against those involved.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the current procedures for the authorisation and payment of overseas travelling and subsistence allowances for HSE inspectors of principal grade and above; and what steps are taken to check the validity of all such payments.
§ Mr. ForthAll journeys to foreign countries by HSE staff require prior written approval at unified grade 3 or above before the visit can be undertaken.
Staff are provided with guidance on their entitlement to travelling and subsistence allowances by a headquarters section which checks for accuracy all claims made. As a further check on the validity of the claims, a proportion are returned to line managers.