To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many staff in his Department are (a) on leave, (b) suspended, (c) on sick leave, (d) retained and (e) otherwise inactive. (192847)

At the end of February 2008, 91 staff were on sick leave and 162 staff were retained or inactive (i.e. those on maternity leave, special leave without pay or career breaks).

Central records are not kept for staff on leave, or those who have been suspended, and figures could be collected at only disproportionate cost.