To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to the answer of 28 January 2009, Official Report, column 502W, on departmental training, what the (a) Presentation and Public Speaking Skills and (b) Introduction Workshop for New Ministers course cost; and which Ministers attended each. (260391)

The two courses attended by Scotland Office Ministers in the period concerned were attended to enable Ministers to carry out their duties effectively in line with the Ministerial Code. The total cost of the courses was £2,316.85.

Identifying Ministers who undertake training would, or would be likely to, discourage participation in future training sessions, acting as a disincentive for Ministers to undertake formal professional development.