§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of the employees of his Department and of the employees of each agency for which he is responsible cycle to work; and what measures he plans to increase that proportion. [52677]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 28 July 1998]: Between 1 per cent. and 2 per cent. of the Department's staff currently cycle to work. The equivalent figure for the Royal Parks Agency is 5.6 per cent.
To encourage cycling to work, parking space is provided and this could be increased if necessary. There are showers and changing rooms at the Department's main building, 2–4 Cockspur Street, and the same is planned for a second building, Grove House. Staff who wish to buy bicycles can apply for an advance of salary of up to £300 towards the cost of purchase.
Further measures to increase the proportion of employees cycling to work are being considered as part of the development of green transport plans for buildings occupied by the Department and the Royal Parks Agency.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what parking facilities for cycles exist at each office or site for which his Department is responsible and for each agency for which he is responsible. [52676]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 28 July 1998]: Secure parking for bicycles is provided at Grove House, for the benefit of the Department's staff at its offices at 2–4 Cockspur Street, Grove House, and Haymarket House. Parking space is also available at the Government Art Collection and at the properties occupied by the Royal Parks Agency.