§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cumulative cost to his Department of ministerial use of RAF flights in the year to 1 May 1997. [64738]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 11 January 1999]: As the answer enclosed with my letter of 2 December made clear, Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those which applied to the previous Administration. A comparison of travel by Ministers on RAF flights between the 16 month period between 2 May 1997 and 30 September 1998 is not directly comparable with the 12 months of the previous Administration. The cost of air travel by RAF flights in the year to May 1997 is £8,972.50.