To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of overnight accommodation for Ministers of State in his Department on foreign visits in each of the last three years. (69109)

Under the terms of the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, departments are expected to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. This information, which is available from the Library of the House, includes accommodation costs. The actual cost for overnight accommodation for each of the Defence Ministers while on foreign visits in each of the last three years could be calculated only at disproportionate cost. When the Defence Ministers are overseas, including when visiting the armed forces, they frequently stay in an official residence or as a guest of the Commanding Officer of the military establishment. In such instances no accommodation costs are incurred.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions Ministers of State in his Department stayed overnight in (a) five star, (b) four star and (c) three star hotels on foreign visits in each of the last three years. (69110)

No information is held regarding the star rating of the hotels used by Defence Ministers. The choice of hotel is determined by best value for money based on advice from the British Embassy in the country being visited. Under the terms of the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, departments are expected to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. This information is available from the Library of the House.