To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the expenditure by (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies on overseas travel for (i) 1980–81, (ii) 1987–88, (iii) 1990–91, (iv) 1991–92, (v) 1992–93, (vi) 1993–94, (vii) 1994–95, (viii) 1995–96, (ix) 1996–97 and (x) 1 May to 30 September 1997; and if she will provide a breakdown to show (1) air fares and (2) other expenditure relating to overseas travel. [15263]

[holding answer 12 November 1997]: Expenditure on overseas travel made by the Department for International Development and its agency, the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), for the years requested is as follows:

£000
DFID	NRI	Total
1991–92	1,066	166	1,232
1992–93	1,249	170	1,419
1993–94	1,375	178	1,553
1994–95	1,374	112	1,486
1995–96	1,514	179	1,693
1996–97	1,471	—	1,471
1997–98 to 30 September	531	—	—

NRI was transferred to private ownership in 1996–97.Figures for years prior to 1991–92 and the breakdown between air fares and other expenditure cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate costs.