HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 c1281W
Mr. Flight

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many events in the last month the Business Co-ordination Unit has arranged for Ministers to attend. [140137]

Yvette Cooper

In the last month the Business Co-ordination Unit (BCU) has arranged attendance by Ministers at 13 events. In addition, proposals for a further eight visits are being considered by Ministers.

Mr. Flight

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the running costs were of the Business Co-ordination Unit in the last financial year. [140138]

Yvette Cooper

The running costs of the Business Co-ordination Unit (ECU) in the last financial year totalled £111,000.

The BCU's work includes promoting ministerial interaction with the business community, local government, the voluntary and community sectors, national bodies and regional interests and non-departmental public bodies.

Mr. Flight

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff are employed by the Business Co-ordination Unit. [140139]

Yvette Cooper

The Business Co-ordination Unit (BCU) employs three staff.

Mr. Flight

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the postal costs were to the Business Co-ordination Unit of sending leaflets advertising Ministers' availability to attend business functions. [140155]

Yvette Cooper

The Business Co-ordination Unit's (BCU) postal costs for sending leaflets advertising Ministers' availability to attend business functions to the end of the last financial year totalled about £50. However, leaflets have also been handed out at exhibitions and other business-related events.