To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions his wife has accompanied him on official business abroad at the expense of the public purse, and at what cost, in each year. (130288)

My wife accompanies me on official visits overseas as appropriate. The costs of such visits are included in the total cost of Ministers’ visits overseas which is published on an annual basis. From 2006-07, the number of such visits will be included in the annual list. Copies of previous lists are available in the Library of the House.