§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cars are available to him and his Ministers; what is the average cost per annum of the upkeep and running cost; and what is the total cost of purchase of these cars since 1st April 1972.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesIn Northern Ireland six cars are available to me and my four ministerial colleagues, one being kept in reserve. They are provided by the Police Authority from the RUC pool, and the particular cars used from day to day vary according to maintenance requirements and other calls on the pool.
Charges raised in respect of upkeep and running costs, including drivers' wages, are based on the average costs for all cars in the pool, and since 1st April 1972 have averaged £7,399 per car per annum. To the extent that special purchase has been 281W necessary, the total cost since 1st April 1972 has been £6,806.
In London three cars are made available by the Government Car Service pool under normal allied service arrangements. Figures for the upkeep and running costs of these cars are not available in isolation from the costs of the whole pool. Similarly, since various cars have been provided for differing periods since 1st April 1972 it is not possible to quote any meaningful total cost of purchase.