§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [67489]
§ Ms Glenda Jackson[holding answer 26 January 1999]: Staff are encouraged to use public transport where it is available and if they do not do so, a single flat rate of 23.8 pence per mile is payable. Where public transport is not available, would give rise to excessive journey times or where staff have equipment or bulky luggage to carry, there are currently two sets of mileage rates payable for cars used on official business:
Pence per mile Ex-Department of the Environment staff Ex-Department of Transport staff Engine capacity Up to 4000 miles Over 4000 miles Up to 4000 miles Over 4000 miles Up to 1000 cc N/A 27 15 1001 cc to 1500 cc 34 19 35.7 19 1501 cc to 2000 cc 43 23 42 23 Over 2000 cc 47 30 46 30 The rates are currently under review not only to harmonise them but also as part of the Department's aim to encourage staff to minimise journeys by car and reduce the environmental impact of transport activity through Green Transport Plans. Consideration is being given to a single rate, regardless of engine size.