§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister what the cost has been of his visits to Scotland in the current year, and if he will provide a break down of(a) travel, (b) accommodation, (c) security and (d) other costs; how many civil servants travelled with him for each visit and what the cost was for each; and if he will list the meetings he held on each visit, stating at which ones he performed in his capacity as Prime Minister. [72616]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 24 February 1999]: I have visited Scotland on two occasions since 1 January 1999: Glasgow on 5 February and Glasgow again on 4–5 March 1999.
My programme on 5 February included a visit to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and to the Western General Hospital. These engagements were undertaken in my capacity as Prime Minister. Separately, the Labour Party arranged a Question and Answer session in the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama to which students were invited.
During my visit on 4–5 March 1 undertook a number of official engagements in my capacity as Prime Minister. These included a visit to Marconi Marine Limited and Richmond Park School, Glasgow and a Question and Answer session in Carluke. I also addressed the Scottish Labour Party Conference as Leader of the Labour Party.
On both occasions I was accompanied by five members of my Office and the usual number of security and secure telecommunications staff who travel with a Prime Minister on visits within the United Kingdom. This is in line with the practice adopted by previous Governments.
336WIt is not possible to give costs for these visits as final bills are not yet in.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister on what dates he plans to visit Scotland during the period of the Scottish general election campaign; from what source such trips will be financed; what role civil servants and special advisers will play on such visits; and if he will make a statement. [72617]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 24 February 1999]: My programme of visits during the campaign is yet to be finalised although I greatly look forward to visiting Scotland over the next few months. Depending on the nature of the visit, travel costs for any visits will be met from the appropriate source. All expenditure will be in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
Involvement by civil servants, including Special Advisers will take place in line with the relevant guidance set out in the Civil Service Code, the Ministerial Code and the Model Contract for Special Advisers.
I also refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East (Dr. Kumar) on 16 February 1999, Official Report, column 721, setting out guidance to civil servants during the period before the forthcoming elections to the Scottish Parliament.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Prime Minister (1) which countries of the G8 he has visited since 1 May 1997; [76155]
(2) when he plans to make an official visit to Canada. [76137]
§ The Prime MinisterI have visited all the G8 countries, with the exception of Canada. I look forward to visiting Canada at the earliest possible date, thus reciprocating Prime Minister Chretien's successful visit to Britain in May last year.