Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 October 2002. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what advice is given to her Department's staff when booking flights with regard to (a) price and (b) budget.

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what advice is given to her Department's staff when booking flights with regard to (a) price and (b) budget. [74899] Clare Short: In accordance with my Department's policy, staff will book the most efficient and economical means of travel, taking into account the full range of costs involved, to meet business needs. DFID's travel agent is contracted to provide a value for money service to staff including, where available, a choice of flights and costs. The travel agent also provides staff with advice on centrally negotiated government airfares. All official travel is authorised at appropriate levels to check for compliance with policy and budget.

Secondary information