To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many (a) staff and (b) ministerial away days have been organised by his Department in each of the last five years; and what the cost of such events was in each year. (266213)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 15 January 2009, Official Report, column 911W, to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Mitchell).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's policy is on holding departmental away days at locations other than departmental premises. (268534)

Individual departments and overseas offices within DFID plan and manage away days, training events and team building exercises in accordance with their specific needs; and in the context of business planning, professional development and performance improvement. These events are permitted to take place outside DFID premises, but the venues should be located close to a DFID office. The costs of holding such events must be proportionate to the benefits derived, offer value for money and not interfere with the normal conduct of DFID's business.