To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many members of his Department have taken authorised days of absence owing to severe weather in 2010. (322513)

The Department does not keep central records of the number of staff who were unable to attend the office in 2010 due to severe weather conditions. We are therefore unable to provide this information without incurring a disproportionate cost.

Staff unable to travel to their normal place of work will have agreed individual arrangements with their line managers. Options available will have included working from home, taking annual leave, and adjusting their flexible working arrangements.