To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 January 2007, Official Report, column 1341W, on ministerial visits, what the total cost was of the Economic Secretary to the Treasury’s trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on 19th to 20th December 2006. (111912)

I visited Israel and the Occupied Territories in December as part of the work Jon Cunliffe and I are leading on opportunities to support economic development to accompany and enhance the Middle East peace process.

All ministerial visits are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers. As with all inquiries relating to the cost of ministerial travel, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the information the Government have published on an annual basis since 1999, listing overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500 and the total cost of all ministerial travel. Information for 2006-07 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the financial year.