§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on new cars for senior members of the armed forces in each of the last five years; what makes of cars have been acquired; and which grades of officers and how many in each grade qualify to use them. [33782]
§ Mr. SoamesThe number of vehicles purchased and the amount spent in each of the last five financial years on staff cars for senior officers is as follows:
- 1991 –92: nil
- 1992 –93: 131 at a cost of £1.7 million
- 1993 –94: 7 at a cost of £0.1 million
- 1994 –95: nil
- 1995 –96: nil
The make of vehicle procured in 1992 –93 and 1993 –94 was the Rover 825D.
At present, the number and grades of officers who qualify for dedicated staff cars are as follows: two at five star level; 16 at four star; 18 at three star; 65 at two star; and two at one star. In addition senior officers not entitled to a dedicated staff car can call on a pool of vehicles which are available for official use.