To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform pursuant to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Hands) of 4 February 2009, Official Report, column 1311W, on departmental official visits, which agency deals with overnight accommodation for his Department; and how much has been paid to this agency since his Department was established. (260559)

Expotel Hotel Reservations Ltd. deal with UK hotel accommodation on behalf of BERR.

Since BERR was established on 28 June 2007, the following hotel accommodation has been booked through Expotel:

28 June 2007 to 31 March 2008

6,772 nights at a total cost of £705,175.32.

1 April 2008 to 28 February 2009

8,790 nights at a total cost of £955,329.40.

BERR does not make a direct payment to Expotel. Expotel earn a commission from hotels for the bookings taken.