§ Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what instructions he has given his Department on the numbers permitted to attend public visits or other functions paid for by his Department; and whether he has sought a reduction in the cost of such official visits.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleStaff of my Department attend public visits and other functions only when this is essential to official business. The numbers involved are kept to the minimum necessary for the occasion. All staff have been instructed to seek economies in the cost of functions and have been reminded of the need to avoid unnecessary travel and to use the most cost-effective means of undertaking essential journeys.