Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what changes have taken place since 1979–80 in the method of recording the cost of the Government car service.
§ Mr. BaldryUntil 1 April 1989, the Government car service costs were recorded as part of the Crown suppliers trading fund.
On 1 April 1989, the Government car service transferred to the PSA. Since then, costs have been separately recorded as part of the vote and a separate GCS memorandum trading account has been developed. The GCS now produces full commercial-style accruals accounts for management purposes.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will quantify the cost of the factors which led to an increase in the cost of cars for Ministers in his Department since 1990–91.
§ Mr. BaldryI refer the hon. Member to the answers given to him by my right hon. Friend on Friday 3 December 1993—Official Report, column 759—and on Thursday 16 December 1993—Official Report, column 828W 827—in which he indicated that the cost of cars for Ministers in the DOE was £270,000 in 1990–91 and £265,000 in 1992–93.
There are two main factors which have led to an increase in the cost per ear for Ministers in my Department. The first is the effect of inflation on GCS costs, particularly on pay, vehicles and fuel. The second is that, during this period, the GCS restructured its charges to reflect the fact that it had been under-recovering its full costs in 1990–91.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost of the Government car service in 1988–89 and 1989–90; how many vehicles were in the fleet; what was the cost of the Government car service in 1980–81; and how many vehicles were in the fleet.
§ Mr. BaldryIn 1988–89, there were some 187 cars in the GCS fleet. During this year, the GCS was the responsibility of the Crown Suppliers—TCS—and its costs were consolidated into the TCS trading fund. Separate cost information is not readily available.
In 1989–90, there were some 189 cars in the GCS fleet. In this year, the GCS became the responsibility of the Property Services Agency and separate financial records were started for the GCS. The cost of the GCS was approximately £6.7 million.
829WComparable information is not available for 1980–81.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many pool cars and pool drivers were in the Government car service pool service in 1990–91; and what was the cost of the pool service.
§ Mr. BaldryIn 1990–91, there were some 28 cars and 24 drivers in the GCS pool. At that time, pool costs were not identified separately from other GCS costs.