§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Prime Minister what is his policy towards the use of air miles awarded to Ministers who travel on official business paid for by public funds. [65072]
§ The Prime MinisterParagraph 82 of the Ministerial Code makes clear that Air Miles and other benefits earned through travel paid for from public funds, other than where there are de minimis (for example, access to special departure lounges or booking arrangements which go with membership of regular flier clubs), should be used only for official purposes or else forgone. However, if it is impracticable to use the benefits for Government travel, there is no objection to Ministers donating them to charity if this is permissible under the terms of the airline's scheme and the charity is one chosen by the airline.