HC Deb 17 February 1994 vol 237 cc996-7W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits abroad the Minister of State for the Armed Forces made during 1993; and what was(a) the cost to public funds and (b) the purpose of each visit.

Mr. Hanley

During 1993, my predecessor—until 27 May—and subsequently I undertook 10 official overseas visits. The cost and purpose of each were as follows:

Mr. Aitken

The Minister of State for Defence Procurement has made 11 official visits abroad in 1993. The cost to public funds and the purpose of each visit were as follows:

Date Destination Purpose Approximate cost £
15–17 December 1993 Saudi Arabia 3,150
20–22 December 1993 Bosnia Visit to British Troops in Bosnia 8,950

Note:

1 The purpose of these visits unless otherwise stated was to promote defence exports or to discuss defence procurement issues.

2 Figures are based on the cost of the Royal Air Force and/or civil flights involved. Accommodation normally provided by HM ambassador or high commissioner, or other Government representative, or by host t

3 Accompanying HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Negligible additional cost to public funds.