To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Meriden of 7 May 2009, Official Report, column 387W, on departmental visits abroad, what the purpose was of each visit to (a) North America, (b) Australia and (c) Asia. (277232)

The purpose of each visit to North America, Australia and Asia was to represent the Department and provide expert advice on policy/subject issues.

Records on overseas visits held in Communities and Local Government (CLG) do not identify separately the detailed information on the purpose of each visit.

All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Civil Service Management Code.