§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Minister without Portfolio what is his Department's policy in respect of the class and type of air fares to be used when(a) Ministers and (b) officials travel on official business abroad. [24731]
§ Mr. MandelsonIn accordance with the practice of the previous administration, when travelling on official business Ministers of State normally use the best available class for flights lasting longer than 2½ hours. For shorter flights Ministers normally travel by Club or equivalent class, or economy class when an intermediate class is not68W available. The detailed rules covering officials' travel are set out in the Department's Management Code, but when travelling with Ministers on official business, officials will generally travel in the same class as the Minister they are accompanying.