§ Mr. Maudeasked the Lord Privy Seal when he expects to publish the report of the independent inquiry looking into the means by which hon. Members should be reimbursed the cost of their motor mileage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenThe report of the independent inquiry has now been received, and copies are available in the Vote Office. The inquiry was undertaken by Lord Barnett, Lord Peyton of Yeovil and Mr. Richard Wilkes under the chairmanship of Lord Peyton of Yeovil. I am sure the House will wish to join me in expressing thanks to them for the speedy and effective way in which they have carried out their tasks.
The report proposes that Members of Parliament should be reimbursed the cost of their motor mileage by way of a payment per mile appropriate to the engine size of their car, based on the RAC schedule of motoring costs, and subject to an upper limit. A higher rate should be payable for the first 20,000 miles per annum, a lower rate for mileage beyond this. Using the approach proposed by the inquiry team, the following table shows the rates applicable to cars of different size:
Up to 1300cc 1301–2300cc 2301 and above First 20,000 miles 18.0p 25.9p 39.0p After 20,000 miles 11.3p 14.7p 19.5p The report also recommends that where a Member wishes to claim mileage allowance for distances in excess of 25,000 miles per annum, he should be required to furnish detailed particulars of all journeys covered by the claims.
The Government accept the approach recommended in the inquiry team's report, and I propose to bring in a resolution before the summer recess which would give effect to these proposals.