§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans have been made in the last three months for conferences and seminars by agencies of her Department; what the total cost was of organising each of those events; and how many people attended in each case. [161391]
§ Alun MichaelRecords of conferences and seminars held by the Defra Agencies are not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans have been made in the last three months for internal conferences and seminars to be attended by staff of her Department; what the total cost was of organising each of those events; and how many people attended in each case. [161392]
§ Alun MichaelThe following conferences and seminars for internal staff for which records are held centrally are as follows
Flood management. Number attended approximately 64. Total cost £2,038, including audio and video for webcasting.Lessons of the Foot and Mouth outbreak. Number attended, approximately 100. Total cost £2,232 including audio and video for webcasting.Support for rural businesses. Number attended approximately 35, cost about £500. These three are part of a programme of seminars hosted by the Permanent Secretary covering a variety of subjects of relevance to Defra policy and its change programme, to which all staff are invited.A conference for Defra's Senior Civil Service. Number attended, approximately 200. Cost £22,696.98 (including VAT).Five science seminars. Number attended ranged from 50 to 120, average 81, total cost about £200. These are part of a continuing programme of science seminars hosted by Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser, which are held once a month.Pre-retirement two-day seminars in London and Lowestoft. Total number attended, 49. Total cost approximately £1,770. These are part of an on-going programme of seminars to help Defra staff prepare for retirement.Sustainable development seminars, one held already, another two planned. There were 23 attendees at the first, cost (for food) £242.58. The second is expected to h we the same number of attendees and roughly the same cost. A third, larger seminar in May is expected to attract 54 people and to cost £585.50.Seminar on public procurement. Number attended, approximately 120. No costs other than staff costs.Two state aids seminars, to explain the Block Exemption Regulations. Number attended, approximately 90. Total cost, for refreshments, about £60.An agriculture, food and fisheries For ward Look EU seminar, important for Defra, UKRep and UK attaches overseas. Number attended, 80. Cost approximately £900.The costs above do not include staff costs.