To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions between 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2003 (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [126672]

Between 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2003, Departmental special adviser have travelled abroad in an official capacity four times, on all occasions accompanying the Secretary of State. On three occasions to Brussels at an average cost of £463 per visit, and on one occasion to the USA at no cost to the Department.

Date	Place visited
19-20 June 2002	Brussels	1 special adviser
26 November 2002	Brussels	1 special adviser
3 March 2003	Brussels	1 special adviser
28 July 2002–1 August 2002	USA	1 special adviser

All travel by the special advisers was undertaken in accordance with the guidance set out in the Ministerial code and the Civil Service management code.