§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from what budget the cost of the flight which Mrs. Regan took from Heathrow to Edinburgh on 9 October was originally met. [28331]
§ Mr. Robin CookThe ticket for the flight was purchased privately by myself and at no stage was payment made from this Department's budget.
§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 1998,Official Report, column 439, to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Mr. Loughton), concerning overseas visits by Ms Gaynor Regan, if the permission from the Prime Minister was given in writing in each case. [28395]
§ Mr. Robin CookThe only occasion when I was accompanied on a visit overseas at public expense by my spouse or partner was when Mrs. Margaret Cook went with me to Hong Kong from 27 June to 1 July. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's permission was given in writing on 25 June. Ms Regan has never accompanied me on an overseas trip at public expense.