Dear Sir,

When all the national sports governing bodies are having their funding cut by the Government, why are expensive business-class airfares being incurred by the sports minister and his permanent secretary? “Eleventh hour” booking? Did the International Olympic Committee not announce the dates of the Olympics in advance?

It has been several months since the minister was appointed; if part of his remit was to attend the Olympics, why wasn’t an air ticket booked then?

As a result of the reduction in funding by government, NSGBs are able to reimburse athletes competing overseas at only the lowest published fares — if they wait until the last minute to book, the increased cost is for their account. Should not the same apply to ministry staff?

Just wondering.

ELSPETH WEISBERG