§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Lord Privy Seal, further to his answer of 3 April to the hon. Member for Workington, if he will explain the reasons for the increase in the amount of money allocated for hon. Members' travel, by air, within the United Kingdom between 1983–84 and 1984–85.
§ Mr. Biffen:Estimate provision for Members' travel within the United Kingdom by air, rail or car, cannot be determined precisely since the costs are demand related.
68WThe reasons for the increase in the provision for Members' travel by air in the United Kingdom between 1983–84 and 1984–85 are as follows:
- (a) 1983–84 was a general election year and travel facilities for Members were withdrawn during the dissolution period, resulting in a reduction in total travel costs by comparison with expenditure which would otherwise have been incurred in a full year;
- (b) a general upward trend in the use of air travel by Members;
- (c) an increase in the cost of air travel.