To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) Ministers, (b) consultants for and (c) employees of her Department travelled to Alicante for the launch of the We’re closing in campaign; how many nights of accommodation were paid for from the public purse; and how much this exercise cost. (277053)

The launch of the benefit fraud hotline took place on Thursday 25 September 2008. One Minister and two DWP officials travelled to Alicante the previous evening and stayed one night. No consultants were involved in the event. The cost of this exercise was approximately £4,200.00.