HL Deb 05 May 1994 vol 554 cc68-9WA
The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Foreign and Commonwealth Office visit section find it necessary to employ a broker for chartered flights for the Prime Minister, when both British Airways and the FCO have dedicated departments to arrange such flights.

Lord Henley

We only use a broker when we are unable to secure a suitable aircraft from the Ministry of Defence. In those instances, we use a broker to ensure that we obtain the most suitable aircraft and the best value for money.

The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why a broker which charges 9 per cent. commission is used for such charters, and why this contract is not put out to tender.

Lord Henley

We use a broker where appropriate to ensure that we obtain the most suitable aircraft and the best value for money. Our present broker receives commission from the aircraft operator concerned. The broker was selected after inviting bids from several companies.

The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the National Audit Office will scrutinise charges levied by brokers arranging Prime Ministerial flights.

Lord Henley

The programme of work of the National Audit Office is a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor-General and the Committee of Public Accounts.

The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much is spent annually on Prime Ministerial Chartered British Airways flights.

Lord Henley

The amount spent in the financial year 1993–94 was £505,273.35.