§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many ministerial cars there were for the use of his Department's Ministers in May 1997; and how many ministerial cars there currently are for the use of (i) his Department's Ministers and (ii) the Ministers of the new Scottish Executive; [86458]
(2) how many cars have been purchased for the use of Ministers of the new Scottish Executive. [86394]
§ Dr. ReidThe Government Car Service in Scotland provides or arranges the provision of transport for Ministers of UK Government Departments when in Scotland, senior members of the Scottish judiciary, and the most senior Departmental officials. Following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the appointment of Ministers of the Scottish Executive, the service has been made available 235W also to the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, to Ministers of the Scottish Executive, and to Deputy Ministers.
No cars have been purchased for the sole use of any users of the Government Car Service in Scotland. In May 1997 the Government Car Service in Scotland comprised 8 cars. However, to handle increased demand for services the fleet was expanded earlier this year by the addition of 3 cars, taking the total number to 11.
From 1 July the provision of cars for the Scottish Executive by the Government Car Service in Scotland will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.