§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what motor mileage allowance rates his340W Department offers to (a) ministers and (b) civil servants using their own vehicles for official business; and what has been the cost of each in each of the last five years. [98722]
§ Mr. KilfoyleMinisters and MOD civilians are paid the same Motor Mileage Rates if they use their private vehicles for official duty. Reimbursement for motor mileage for official travel in private vehicles is paid at different levels. The higher (Standard) rate is restricted to journeys that would be impracticable by public transport, taking into account the overall cost to the Department. It reflects the full cost of travel by car. The lower (Public Transport) rate is set at a level which reflects the average cost of travel by public transport and is paid for all other official travel by car.
The rates applicable in the current tax year are as follows:
Standard rates of motor mileage allowance Pence per mile Car engine capacity Up to 4,000 Over 4,000 Up to 1000cc 28 17 1001cc-1500cc 35 20 1501cc-2000cc 45 25 2001cc and over 63 36 Public transport rate of motor mileage allowance All cars 26.5 Details of Motor Mileage Allowance payments to Ministers are not held separately from those paid to MOD civilians and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The total costs of Motor Mileage Allowance claims paid to MOD civilians, including Ministers, are:
£ Financial year Actual cost 1994–95 11,500,000 1995–96 12,200,000 1996–97 12,700,000 1997–98 12,100,000 1998–99 11,800,000