Written question asked by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 1 July 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 July 2010. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Departmental Training

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training has been provided for Ministers in his Department since the formation of the present administration; and at what cost.

Answer: Defence Ministers have been provided with a wide-ranging induction package including briefs on security, finance, IT, and the running of Government. In-house media training is also given so that Ministers are able to effectively communicate the objectives of the Ministry of Defence and the work of the armed forces to the media and the wider public.I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude) to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on 3 June 2010, Official Report, columns 51-52W. The National School of Government is funded through its Core Learning Programme to deliver induction and other training to Ministers, and there is no separate charge to Departments.

Secondary information