§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total cost per annum of the Government regional car service and if he has any plans to reduce this.
§ Sir George Young:The budgeted cost for the current financial year is £450,000. This compares with £710,000 in 1979–80 and £530,000 in 1980–81 (at outturn prices).
I do not plan to make any further substantial reductions in the size of the regional Government car service.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the environment how many Government cars are used by civil servants in the London area; and if he has any plans to reduce this number.
§ Sir George Young:The Government car service in London has 47 cars available for use by civil servants of which 32 are in a pool which is also used by Ministers. In addition my Department provides 12 self-drive cars for the use of London-based civil servants. I do not propose to make any further reductions in these fleets.
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§ Mr. Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many members of her Majesty's Opposition are presently using the Government car service; and what is the cost of this service.
§ Sir George Young:Five, at an estimated cost of about £86,000 a year.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many hon. Members of Parliament other than Government Ministers or members of Her Majesty's Official Opposition are presently using the Government car service; what are the rules and regulations for this use; and what is the cost to public funds per annum.
§ Sir George Young:Two, who have the use of the Government car service on advice from the security authorities. The annual estimated cost is £21,000.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many Government cars are used by civil servants in the regions; and whether he has any plans to reduce this number.
§ Sir George Young:My Department provides a total of 43 self-drive cars for the exclusive use of civil servants in the regions compared with 67 in April 1980. In addition the regional Government car service provides 37 cars in pools serving both Ministers and senior civil servants, compared with 57 in April 1980. I do not plan to make any further substantial reductions in the size of these fleets.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which civil servants in the London area are able to use the Government car service; what is the total cost to public funds; and whether he has any plans to reduce this use.
§ Sir George Young:I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly.