asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportions of the total costs of the retiring Prime Minister's official visits overseas since 1 May have been a direct charge to United Kingdom taxpayers; and what sterling amounts have been so charged. [HL4174]

Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. Copies of these lists are available in the Library. Information on the number of officials accompanying Ministers on overseas visits is included in the list.

All Ministers’ travel arrangements are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel set out in chapter 10 of the Ministerial Code and the accompanying guidance document, Travel by Ministers. Information for 2007-08 will be published in the normal way.