§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the cost of(a) Ministerial cars and drivers and (b) the Department's bill for taxis in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97, (iii) 1997–98 to date and (iv) 1997–98 full year. [27766]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 5 February 1998]: (a) The costs to my Department for Ministerial Cars and drivers are:
£000 1996–97 358 1997–98 (to January) 372 1997–98 estimate 446 Figures for 1995–96 could be made available on a comparable basis only at disproportionate cost.
(b) The majority of my Department's use of taxis is covered by a contract arrangement in Edinburgh. Costs incurred under this contract are:
£000 1995–96 53 1996–97 64 1997–98 (to January) 67 1997–98 estimate 80