To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff in his Department have taken (a) five or more, (b) four, (c) three and (d) two periods of sick leave of less than five days in the last 12 months. (147049)

Our records show:

81 staff have taken five or more periods of sick leave of less than five days in the last 12 months;

60 staff have taken four periods of sick leave of less than five days in the last 12 months;

153 staff have taken three periods of sick leave of less than five days in the last 12 months;

261 have taken two periods of sick leave of less than five days in the last 12 months.