To ask the Minister for Women and Equality pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2009, Official Report, column 57W, on departmental pay, how many staff in the Department received both an annual performance bonus and an in-year bonus in 2008-09; what proportion of the total workforce they represented; what the largest combined bonus payment to an individual was; and who was responsible for awarding such bonuses. (313125)

In the financial year 2008-09, 10 GEO members of staff received both an in-year bonus and an annual performance bonus. This total represented 9.5 per cent. of the total work force. The highest combined total awarded was £1,250. Special bonuses are agreed by GEO's senior management team through nominations made by line managers. Annual performance bonuses are agreed through the Department's end of year staff reporting process.