HC Deb 20 June 2002 vol 387 cc462-3W
Mr. Tyrie

To ask the Prime Minister (1) on how many occasions his(a) Chief of Staff, (b) Director of Communications and Strategy and (c) other members of his office travelled abroad on official business between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost; [58732]

(2) on how many occasions members of the No. 10 Policy Unit travelled abroad on official business between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [58714]

The Prime Minister

In the period 31 March 2001 to 31 March 2002, my Chief of Staff, my Director of Communications and Strategy and other members of my office have travelled overseas on official business, including accompanying me on official visits, on 93 occasions.

The costs of all officials who accompanied me on overseas visits are included in the detailed list of Cabinet Ministers' visits overseas and information on expenditure by all Ministers on travel overseas. The list for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 will be published as soon as possible.

The average cost of all other official travel was approximately £1,516 per visit.

All visits have been made in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Civil Service Management Code. These arrangements follow the practice of successive Administrations.