To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent by his Department on first class train tickets in the last 12 months. (153116)

All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Civil Service Management Code and the Ministerial Code.

DFID’s expenditure on UK train tickets for the 12 month period April 2006 to March 2007 was £366,684. Data distinguishing between classes of travel are not routinely maintained and could not be produced without disproportionate cost. Staff normally travel by standard class but are permitted with prior approval to travel first class when they are expected to work during the journey.