To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding his Department has allocated for (a) year-end and (b) in-year bonuses for its staff in 2009-10. (307030)

The wages/salaries outturn for the Department for 2009-10 is not yet known. Based on projections, it is estimated that non-consolidated performance payments will represent a maximum of 1.7 per cent. of the pay bill for 2009-10.

Non-consolidated performance payments are an integral part of the Department's reward strategy for staff at all levels. These payments have to be re-earned each year and do not add to future pay bill costs.