HC Deb 03 July 1978 vol 953 cc51-2W
Mr. MacFarquhar

asked the Attorney-General how many civil servants in his Department have travelled first class by air on official business in each of the past three years; what was the cost of their tickets; and how much would have been saved if they had travelled economy class.

The Attorney-General

The details requested are as follows:

Year Number of officials (and journeys) Cost of tickets Estimated saving by economy class
£ £
1975–76
1976–77 2(3) 469 145
1977–78 1(1) 859 369

Mr. MacFarquhar

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many civil servants in his Department have travelled first class by air on official business in each of the past three years; what was the cost of their tickets; and how much would have been saved if they had travelled economy class.

Mr. Lever

I regret that this information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The only civil servants normally entitled to travel first class by air are those graded under-secretary and above, and also those at assistant secretary level when making flights of at least four hours' flying time without a break. Other civil servants are allowed to travel first class only if, for example, they have to accompany a more senior officer who is himself entitled to first-class travel.

Mr. MacFarquhar

asked the Lord President of the Council how many civil servants in his Department have travelled first class by air on official business in each of the past three years; what was the cost of their tickets; and how much would have been saved if they had travelled economy class.

Mr. Foot

Three, when accompanying Ministers. The total cost of the tickets was £1,012.80. Economy class travel would have saved £362.20.