§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many Government cars are available to officials and civil servants in his Department; what are the rules governing their use; and what is the total cost per annum for providing such a service.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy Department has three cars (one chauffeur-driven)—provided on loan by the Department of the Environment Government car service—available to officials and civil servants in the CSD. The rules governing the use of official cars are set out in the Establishment Officer's Guide (para. 2293–2296), a copy of which is in the Library.
The cost of providing this service is borne mainly by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment's Department—which has the overall responsibility for the operation and general efficiency of the Government car service. The only cost falling to my Department is that for employing one full-time driver, which is approximately £4,000 a year.