HC Deb 17 February 1994 vol 237 cc964-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of his Department regarding motor vehicles belonging to the Government car service being left with their engines running when parked; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

GCS drivers are instructed to keep the running of their vehicles' engines while parked to a minimum consistent with passenger and security requirements.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on giving preference to British-made cars in purchasing official and ministerial cars.

Mr. Baldry

The Department's official and ministerial vehicles are purchased through call-off contract arrangements which comply with EC and GATT requirements. The current vehicles are sourced from three United Kingdom-based car manufacturers. The procurement policy is kept under review.

Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the rules and regulations relating to the use of Government cars.

Mr. Baldry

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) on 28 January,Official Report, column 415, to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett).