To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has spent on accommodation for officials in Suffolk since the outbreak of avian influenza at Park Farm in Redgrave; and for (a) how many officials and (b) how long such accommodation was provided. (170125)

The latest information available indicates that the cost of providing hotel accommodation for officials working on the avian influenza outbreak between 12 November and 2 December was £121,300. 160 individuals were provided with accommodation for a total of 1,295 nights. These figures are subject to revision to take account of any confirmed changes to accommodation from our booking agent.

In an emergency, a large number of staff need to be found hotel rooms near to the local disease control centre at very short notice. DEFRA employs the services of an external provider to ensure that the most appropriate accommodation is secured and provides the best value for money.