Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will quantify the cost of the factors which led to an increase in the cost of cars for Ministers in his Department since 1990–91.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Government car service charges for 1990–91 did not cover the full cost of the provision of cars for ministers. Rates have since been increased by 12 per cent. from 1 July 1990 and again by 10 per cent. from 1 January 1991. Other factors are:
- (i) Value added tax on GCS invoices increased from 15 per cent. to 17.5 per cent. from 1 April 1991.
- (ii) The GCS introduced new charging arrangements from 1 April 1992 leading to greater use of the more expensive "Outside Core Hour" provision.