To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform with reference to the answer of 11 November 2008, Official Report, column 1125W, on departmental training, what personal training courses at public expense other Ministers in his Department have undertaken since 1 January 2008. (251328)

A junior Minister in BERR has undertaken training at public expense since 1 January 2008.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what his Department’s policy is on holding departmental away days outside his Department’s buildings. (262029)

There are no central rules governing the holding of departmental away days.

Away days are a useful development tool but as learning and development budgets are delegated to local units within BERR, it is up to those units to determine where they hold away days and for local budget holders to ensure value for money. This will depend on the nature and objectives of the away day and availability of departmental premises.