To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people in his Department have been allowed to work from home for part of the week in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on home working. (143877)

The information requested is not available as central records of instances of home working are not maintained. However, in the November 2006 Staff Survey, 246 staff (16 per cent.) reported that they had a regular home working arrangement (e.g. one day per week). In addition, 260 (18 per cent.) replied that they had access to occasional home working on request. 72 per cent. of respondents were satisfied with the Department's flexible working policies. 70 per cent. of all staff participated in the staff survey.

As part of policy on alternative and flexible working patterns, the Department is willing to consider home working arrangements where they are compatible with the work and business needs and with the skills and preferences of individual members of staff.