To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was claimed in reimbursable expenses by press officers in his Department and its agencies in 2008-09.

The Department cannot provide the details requested without the cost involved being at a disproportionate level. Data come from disparate sources and in different formats, which increases the manual effort required to identify the expenses of individuals.

During 2008-09, 41 departmental officers worked as press officers for all or part of the year in question. There is no statutory requirement to report the reimbursable expenses of officials who are not covered by the remuneration report. Departmental officials who claim business expenses do so in line with the published expenses guide. The rates are agreed with the departmental trade unions and are in line with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs's regulations.