§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the mileage allowance claimable by hon. Members was last increased; what price of petrol was taken into account when this was calculated; how much the price of petrol has increased since then; and if he will calculate the value of the allowance based on this amount.
§ Mr. PymThe mileage allowance for hon. Members is linked to the highest rate of Civil Service mileage allowance. The current rate of 19.1p per mile was introduced on 1 April 1980, and included an element for petrol costs based on a petrol price of £1.35 per gallon. Petrol prices around the country vary, but the approximate average increase since then has been 30p, giving a total petrol price of £1.65 per gallon. The value of the allowance, if this increase were taken into account, would be 20p per mile.