To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2009, Official Report, column 439W, on trade unions, what office facilities his Department provides for the exclusive use of each recognised trade union; and what the notional annual value of such provision is. (271931)

DEFRA and its Executive agencies provide trade unions access to appropriate facilities to enable them to carry out their duties effectively, provided this does not interfere with departmental work and they are not used excessively. Examples include:

accommodation

desks

computers

telephones

faxes

printers

stationery

notice boards

photocopiers

pedestals

filing cabinets

The notional annual value for accommodation (estimated property holding cost) is approximately £60,000 per annum.

However, the overall value for facilities could be provided only at disproportionate cost.