§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what criteria airlines are selected for purchase of tickets596W for civil servants travelling on official duties (a) within the United Kingdom, (b) in Europe and (c) elsewhere; whether travel agents are used; and whether block bookings are made.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 21 March 1989]: The overall objective in organising travel for civil servants is to obtain best value for money and airlines are selected on this basis. If British airlines can match others in terms of cost and convenience they would, normally be used.
Each Government Department makes its own booking arrangements.