§ Mr. Dubsasked the Lord Privy Seal what has been the cost of parliamentary travel within the United Kingdom, excluding journeys between Westminster, the constituency and hon. Members' homes, for each year since the scheme began; and what is the estimated cost of administering these arrangements.
§ Mr. BiffenThe cost of travel on parliamentary business by hon. Members within the United Kingdom under the extended travel arrangements authorised by resolution of the House on 4 March 1980 for each year since the scheme began is as follows:
£ 1980–81 5,775 1981–82 14,079 1982–83 27,202 1983–84 21,650 1984–85 49,375 *1985–86 39,935 * To 31 October 1985. These figures do not include the cost of journeys undertaken by Select Committees collectively or by hon. Members between Westminster, their constituencies, their registered homes and within their constituency.
The increase in costs from 1983–84 to 1984–85 is due to the fact that hon. Members have been making greater use of the extended travel arrangements and partly also to the enhanced motor mileage allowance.
The administration of these arrangements is subsumed within the duties of the staff responsible for all travelling facilities available to hon. Members, their spouses and supporting staff, and as such is not separately costed.