HC Deb 06 May 2003 vol 404 c644W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many staff in his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies receive paid leave to undertake union duties; how many days they are allocated; and what has been the cost to public funds in 2002. [106734]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

During 2002, 18 staff received a total of 495 days leave to undertake union duties at a total cost to public funds of £44,000.

These figures represent the maximum leave allowance which may be granted in each year of 25 days or 40 days for members of Trade Union National Executive Committees and Councils for individuals engaged in trade union business in DfES.

There are no members of National Executive Committees or Councils in NDPBs for which DfES is responsible.