To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what his Department’s policy is on the practice of holding departmental away days outside the Department’s buildings. (268533)

The Department believes that away days can be beneficial and necessary for staff development, team building and planning to help deliver the Department’s plans and objectives.

The organisation of away days outside the Department’s buildings will be based on sound planning and, where accommodation costs and other charges are involved, our policies on appropriateness and value for money.