§ Mr. MacshaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the annual budget of the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising; and how much of that total has been spent to date (i) in the current financial year and (ii) for each year since the office's inception, on legal fees. [7264]
§ Mr. WattsThe information on the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising is as follows:
Financial year Annual budget (thousand) Expenditure on legal fees 1993–94 2,443 827 1994–95 1,799,631 5,059 1995–96 1,620,604 4,164
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the Office of Passenger Rail 1183W Franchising's total expenditure, in the most recent available year, on (a) car allowances and (b) chauffeur-driven cars. [7327]
§ Mr. WattsIn 1994–95 the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising spent:
- (a) £1.070 travel on private cars;
- (h) £46.254 on chauffeur-driven cars;
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to encourage the staff of the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising to use British Rail services in their duties; and if he will make a statement. [7329]
§ Mr. WattsThe franchising director encourages his staff to use the most cost-effective mode of transport available when travelling in the course of their duties.