To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2007, Official Report, column 780W, on departmental travel, how many foreign trips have been taken by officials from her Department since 1 April 2007; and to which locations and for what purpose in each case. (145116)

Of the 23 journeys overseas undertaken by staff since April 2007 on official business, 21 were to Europe, 1 to the USA and 1 to Kenya. All overseas journeys require the approval of the appropriate deputy director. The purposes of these journeys was to represent the Department and provide expert advice on policy issues.