To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many external training courses were attended by staff of his Department in the last 12 months; and what the cost was of each course. (289606)

The Scotland Office encourages all staff to undertake learning and development activities. The majority of opportunities are provided through the Scottish Government and the Ministry of Justice; but where the training need is still not available within central Government, external training courses may be considered.

The Office does not maintain a central record of all training courses attended by staff. However, during the current financial year, the Office has incurred £12,164.94 in direct expenditure.