To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many conferences were organised by the Audit Commission in each of the last five years; and what the cost of each was. [113554]

The information requested is tabled as follows:

	Number of conferences held by the Commission	Total net cost of conferences (at constant 2001–02 prices) (£)	Average cost of each conference (£)
1997–98	21	171,800	8,180
1998–99	22	184,300	8,380
1999–2000	50	269,100	5,380
2000–01	22	94,100	4,280
2001–02	23	137,000	5,960

The majority of conferences arranged by the Audit Commission are self-financed from fees paid by delegates. The Commission also however arranges a number of free conferences and seminars with the aim of disseminating the findings of their work to target audiences or to consult relevant stakeholders.