HC Deb 11 March 1998 vol 308 c224W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many times his wife has accompanied him on overseas visits; and what was the cost of her travel and other expenses. [25152]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply given to his hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 15 January 1998, Official Report, column 298.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many overseas visits have been made by his Department's political advisers at public expense since 1 May. [25153]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: The overseas trips attended by political advisers are set out in the table.

Destination Date Minister Adviser attendance
Luxembourg 26–27/06/97 Secretary of State Hilary Benn and Sophie Linden
Paris, France 15–16/10/97 Secretary of State Sophie Linden
Brussels, Belgium 6–7/11/97 Andrew Smith Lisa Barclay
Brussels, Belgium 17–18/11/97 Secretary of State Hilary Benn