§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 26 October 2000,Official Report, column 172W, what the total cost was of his recent visit to China for all the members of his delegation; and if he will break down the costs. [137235]
§ Mr. Prescott[holding answer 7 November 2000]: The total cost for my delegation, including that given in my answer of 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 172W, is estimated to be approximately £43,000. Details of this trip will be included in the annual list of Cabinet Ministers' visits overseas which will be published after the end of the financial year. Total Government expenditure on ministerial visits in 1999–2000 was £4.6 million compared to £7.9 million for the last year of the previous Administration.