§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the present mileage allowances for Ulster Defence Regiment members and the conditions attached thereto; and whether consideration is being given to increasing the allowance in view of the recent increases in the cost of petrol.
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§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe motor mileage allowances payable to members of the Ulster Defence Regiment—as to members of the Regular Army and T & AVR—are determined by engine capacity of the vehicle and the regulations under which the journey is made.
The official duty rate is assessed on the cost of motoring and takes into account any changes in the price of petrol. The scaled rates, effective from 18th November 1974, are:
Vehicles per mile 150c.c. or less … … l.5p 151 c.c. to 500 c.c … … 2.lp 501 c.c. to l000c.c … … 6.2p 1001 c.c. to 1750 c.c … … 7.4p over 1750 c.c … … 8.lp Official passenger allowance … … 0.5p This rate applies when special permission is given for the use of a private car to make official journeys when alternative transport is not available or would cause serious delay or marked inconvenience.
The public transport rate is assessed on the cost of all forms of public transport and is geared to fluctuations in the Retail Price Index, fares item. Any variation in rate is effective at the beginning of the month following that in which the index reaches the trigger points; none is foreseen for December. The rate effective since the last increase on 1st August 1974 are:
Vehicles less than per mile 150 c.c. l.0p 151 c.c. to 500c.c l.7p 501 c.c. and above 2.7p Official passenger allowance 0.5p This rate applies to the use of private cars, not requiring special permission, on official duty journeys including regular journeys between the place of duty and the place of residence or employment, and particularly over routes adequately covered by public transport.