Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how much has been spent on what (a) media training and (b) social media training for (i) him and (ii) Ministers in his Department since May 2010.

2010 -

· Edward Davey, former Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs: June 2010; John Hayes, former Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning: June 2010; Baroness Wilcox, former Parliamentary Under Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills: June 2010: £2,100

2012

· Jo Swinson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport): October 2012 £2,200

· Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills (jointly with Department for Education) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State: October 2012 £2,200

2013

· Viscount Younger, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: May 2013; £3,300

2014

· Jenny Willott - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs: March 2014; £3,300

These training sessions would have covered television, radio and journalist interviews. There are no costs associated with Social Media training.

The department organises media training for ministers to help them undertake their official duty as spokespersons for the Department. Every effort is taken to ensure value for the tax payer.