To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which overseas visits were undertaken by Ministers in his Department in the course of their duties in the last year; which overseas visits Ministers intend to take in the next 12 months; and what the purpose was of such visits in each case. (152599)

Ministers have made a number of overseas visits over the year to look at other countries' approaches to social security and welfare reform and will continue to do so where necessary. All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Civil Service Management Code and the Ministerial Code.

Full information about all ministerial trips can be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, all Cabinet Minister overseas visits costing in excess of £500 are published on an annual basis. The latest list was published on 25 July. Copies of the lists are available in the libraries of the House or at

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/ministers/

From 2007-08 the annual list will be expanded to include a breakdown of travel by all Ministers.