§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list each overseas trip paid for out of public funds by members of the No. 10 Policy Unit since 1 May 1997, indicating in each case the(a) individuals involved, (b) destination, (c) purpose and (d) cost; and if he will make a statement. [62095]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 3 December 1998]: For the period 1 May 1997 to the end of October 1998, members of the No. 10 Policy Unit have travelled overseas on official business for talks with officials from European governments on 26 occasions. The average cost of travel was about £380.00 per person. Only one special adviser travelled on each occasion except for a visit to Bonn undertaken by three special advisers. Subsistence costs were met on four occasions, totalling approximately £700. All visits have been made in accordance with the rules set out in the Civil Service Management Code.
In addition, members of the No. 10 Policy Unit have accompanied me and other Ministers on my official visits abroad. Information on these visits has been provided in answer to previous parliamentary questions.
These arrangements follow the practice of successive administrations.