Chief Minister trip to Australia

Summary

A request was made for details regarding the cost and logistics of the Chief Minister's trip to Australia for the Commonwealth Games. The Cabinet Office responded that no government funds were used as the trip was a personal family holiday paid for entirely by the Chief Minister.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding government costs.
• There was no cost to the Government for the Chief Minister's trip to Australia.
• The trip was classified as a family holiday rather than an official government business trip.
• All expenses, including flights and accommodation, were paid personally by the Chief Minister.
• The Chief Minister attended some events in his official capacity during the personal holiday.

Data Disclosed

• 2019-07-02
• 2019-07-08
• 871865
• 01624 686244

Original Request

What was the cost to Government of the Chief Ministers trip to Australia in supporting the manx team in the commonwealth games. Did he travel on his down? Cost of flight tickets, did he travel first or buisness class The name of the hotel he stayed in and what was the daily rate. What other expences did he incur and what were they?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 871865 8 July 2019

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 2 July 2019 and which states:

"What was the cost to Government of the Chief Ministers trip to Australia in supporting the manx team in the commonwealth games. Did he travel on his down? Cost of flight tickets, did he travel first or business class The name of the hotel he stayed in and what was the daily rate. What other expenses did he incur and what were they?"

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet Office does not hold the information that you have requested.

There was no cost to Government as a result of the Chief Minister’s trip to Australia to attend the Commonwealth Games. Whilst he attended some events in his capacity as Chief Minister, the Chief Minister's trip was a family holiday and all costs were paid by him personally.

Please quote the reference number 871865 in any future communications.

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1. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely