HL Deb 06 November 2000 vol 618 cc138-40WA
Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Law Officers' Department in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4315]

The Attorney-General (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The Law Officers use cars supplied by the Government Car Service. I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given by my noble and learned friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who has responsibility for the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4316]

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)

The policy of my department is to dispose of cars at a time and in a way which achieves the optimum value for money.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Home Office in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4313]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

It is the policy of the Home Office to dispose of vehicles through open auction. This maximises return while preventing any risk or accusation of pecuniary advantage to any person. Home Office disposals are centralised through the Prison Service Transport Unit.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Treasury in relation to the disposal of Government cars after use. [HL4337]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Government cars are supplied under a three-year lease contract by the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA). At the end of the lease period they are returned to the GCDA.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4301]

Lord Whitty

In accordance with Government policy, the department disposes of cars by auction or through tendering exercises so as to secure value for money.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to the disposal of Government cars after use. [HL4296]

Baroness Hayman

Cars owned by the Ministry and its agencies are disposed of in accordance with the principles set out in Section 32 of Government Accounting. A copy of this document is available through the House Library.

The Cabinet Office is responsible for cars within the Government Car Service and will confirm the arrangements for their disposal separately.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Department of Health in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4312]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Department of Health owns 29 cars. They are disposed of through a commercial car auction when their use is concluded.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Department of Social Security in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4335]

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

The disposal of our cars is part of the specialist and external fleet management contract negotiated by the department. The supplier of these services arranges for those vehicles deemed uneconomic to maintain to be put up for public auction at a number of sites across the UK.

Lord Hoyle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (WA 68), what is the policy of the Department for Education and Employment in relation to the disposal of government cars after use. [HL4300]

Baroness Blackstone

The majority of vehicles in DfEE, including the Employment Service, are disposed of at public auction. Reserve prices are set using commercially available guides. A very small number, less than 6 per cent, are sold to staff under a scheme that allows car users to purchase their "company car" at the end of its useful life. The same price is set whether the car is sold at auction or to the driver.