Finance Minister Bob Richards’s recent trip to attend a banking seminar in Washington DC cost the public purse a little more than $2,000.

Mr Richards attended the G30 International Banking Seminar on October 12 in the United States capital.

He stayed at the Mayflower Hotel between October 11 and 13, when his accommodation bill totalled $1,465.

His flights to Washington cost $488, while he spent $172 on ground transport.

A government statement on the trip also revealed that Mr Richards spent $94 on meals during the trip.

“The G30 International Banking Seminar is a key event that draws a majority of the world’s central bank governors, leaders of the financial sector and finance ministers to discuss the most pressing developments in the world economy and financial systems, in an off-the-record forum conducive to a frank exchange of views,” the statement added.

“Discussion focused on numerous issues, including the outlook for global financial growth, economic, financial and trade challenges ahead and regulatory work.”

The total cost of the trip, which is outlined on the Government’s new travel expenses website, was $2,220.