Parliamentary Trade Envoys 2024-05-02
2024-05-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
No specific incident prompted this question; it inquires about the financial transparency of the UK's trade envoy programme.
What are the travel costs of parliamentary trade envoys in each of the last three years?
The travel costs incurred by the Prime Minister's trade envoys were: £63,566 for the financial year 2021-22; £226,014 for 2022-23; and £232,325 for 2023-24. These costs were for flights, accommodation when the official British residence was unavailable, and other sundry expenses.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the transparency and accountability regarding the costs and activities of the UK's parliamentary trade envoys, particularly whether these expenses have been well-spent and who benefits from such roles.
The trade envoy programme is opaque. The Minister previously refused to deny that a trade envoy has requested exclusive use of a house while on duty. There are also refusals to publish detailed costs for the envoys, which contrasts with how expenses are handled in official visits abroad like those by Select Committees. How can we judge if £750,000 spent over three years is justified? Is there any accountability or does this serve as sinecures?
The hon. Gentleman's comments reflect a lot of bluster and accusations. The cross-party role requires diplomacy and discretion, which explains why not everyone is asked to take part. Gifts and hospitality are published in departmental registers, indicating transparency where appropriate.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on costs breakdown and accountability measures were avoided
Bluster
Accusations
Response accuracy