§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the occasions on which he and his ministerial colleagues have been on overseas trade missions in(a) 1992–93; (b) 1993–94; and (c) 1994–95: how many such visits are programmed for 1995–96; and if he will give the outturn, estimated or anticipated cost for each year.
§ Mr. AncramMinisters did not accompany any trade missions from Northern Ireland in 1992–93 or 1993–94.
My noble Friend Baroness Denton accompanied three missions in 1994–95, and plans to accompany five missions in 1995–96.
The cost in 1994–95 of ministerial involvement with trade missions amounted to £9,878.96.
It is not possible at this stage to provide a precise figure of the expenditure likely to be incurred in 1995–96. A number of variable factors will influence the final outturn including the length of stay, location and transport costs.