§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the annual cost of travel and subsistence incurred by Ministers and civil servants attending 20WA meetings and events relating to European Union business. [HL2299]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe Government publish on an annual basis details of the total cost of all Ministers' visits overseas together with a list of all overseas visits by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500. These figures include travel on European Union business.
Information for the period 2 May 1997 to 31 March 2003 has already been published and is available in the Library of the House. These costs include travel undertaken by private office and press office staff accompanying Ministers. Information for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 is currently in the process of being collected and will be published as soon as it is ready. I will send the noble Lord a copy when it is published.