HC Deb 12 November 1970 vol 806 cc239-40W
Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will name those Ministers, other than those serving in his Department, who are entitled to use aircraft of the Queen's Flight; if he will define the type of engagement for which these aircraft may be used; how the cost of the flight is determined and by which Department the account is paid; and when the current rules governing the use of aircraft of the Queen's Flight were drawn up.

Mr. Lambton

The rules currently governing the use of aircraft of the Queen's Flight were drawn up in March, 1970, and amended in August.

The following Ministers, in addition to Defence Ministers, may, subject to Her Majesty's approval, use aircraft of this Flight for official journeys:

  • The Prime Minister,
  • The Home Secretary,
  • The Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary,
  • The Secretary of State for Scotland,
  • The Secretary of State for Wales, and
  • The Minister of State, Welsh Office.

Other Ministers who are Privy Councillors may also, subject to Her Majesty's consent, use aircraft of the Flight if travelling to a meeting of the Council held outside London.

The cost of the Queen's Flight falls on Defence Votes. No charge is made for Ministers who are Privy Councillors and who use it to attend Council meetings. In all other cases, when an aircraft is used by a Minister for official journeys, the extra operating cost is paid by the Minister's Department.