§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many Government cars are 310W available to officials and civil servants in his Department; what are the rules governing their use; and what is the total cost per annum for providing such a service.
§ Mr. AlisonOfficials in the Northern Ireland Office use Government cars provided by the Property Services Agency under rules laid down by the Civil Service Department. These state that civil servants may normally use a car only for journeys on official business when the use of public transport would be impracticable. Permanent secretaries may use it for official purposes, home to office journeys and social engagements of an official character. No costs are incurred by the Northern Ireland Office.
24 cars are available to officials in the Northern Ireland Departments. The rules governing their use are similar to those which are laid down by the Civil Service Department. The estimated cost of providing this service for the current financial year is around £73,000.