§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to reduce the use of official cars by officials in(a) his Department, (b) executive agencies of his Department, (c) his Department's-sponsored non-departmental public bodies, including regional development agencies and (d) the Government Offices for the Regions. [91452]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 15 July 1999]: Green Transport Plans covering our Headquarters buildings, Executive Agencies and Government Offices aim to reduce the environmental impact of the journey to work and travel on official business.
In addition, our travel and subsistence rules have been revised, with now only a single mileage rate to encourage the use of public transport rather than rates based on car engine size. Claims also have to verify that the most cost effective means of transport was used and the use of a car is considered only where public transport was not a viable option.
Further Green Transport Plans will be in place, in line with the Government target, for all other key Departmental buildings, i.e. those where it is the major occupier and has over 50 staff, by March 2000.