To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been allocated for spending on bonuses for staff within his Department in 2008-09. (240942)

The Department makes bonus payments to its staff for two purposes: (a) special bonuses to reward outstanding contributions in particularly demanding tasks or situations; and (b) performance bonuses linked to the end of year staff appraisal, which are awarded to staff who have had a highly successful performance over a whole year.

All end of year bonuses for 2008-09, (for performance in 2007-08) have been paid. The total amount paid was £434,417. Of the special bonuses £100,560 has been allocated of which £25,580 has been paid.