§ 35. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service which former Prime Ministers receive cars, chauffeurs, etc., and at what cost to the Treasury; whether this includes petrol, oil, tax and insurance and at what estimated cost per annum; why this is not applicable to all retired Prime Ministers; and whether these benefits will be taxable under the Budget proposals.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisAll former Prime Ministers are entitled to use a Government Car Service car with a driver free of charge for journeys to attend official engagements and on parliamentary business in their capacity as former Prime Ministers. Use for other journeys is subject to a charge at the current Civil Service motor mileage rate.
The average annual cost of a GCS chauffeur-driven car is £10,600 per year, including £478 for fuel and lubricants. Neither road fund tax nor insurance is paid on Government cars.
The benefit of these cars will not be chargeable to tax under the proposals in the Finance Bill because it is received by virtue of a previous rather than a current office.