To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many staff who had previously been seconded to the Deputy Prime Minister’s office have received (a) anti-bullying training and (b) diversity awareness training since May 2006 following their return to her Department. (152699)

Two senior managers seconded to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office attended the Department’s Dignity and Respect Workshop.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent by her Department on staff away days in the last 12 months. (153218)

Expenditure related to staff away days is not identified as a separate item on the Department’s accounting system, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, any such expenditure could reasonably be expected within the expenditure total for conferences. The total expenditure on conferences for Ministers and civil servants incurred by Communities and Local Government in the period 1 July 2006 to 30 July 2007 was £543,786.

All expenditure on conferences is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety.