§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 29 January 2002,Official Report, column 181W, if he will list the occasions he used the railway service in connection with his official duties prior to 16 November 2001; what station he left from and what the destination was; and when he next expects to use the railway in his official capacity. [32605]
§ Mr. ByersMy arrangements for official travel are made in line with guidance set out in Chapter 7 of the Ministerial Code and the accompanying guidance document travel by Ministers, using the most efficient and cost effective mode of transport, and bearing in mind security considerations. Future travel arrangements will be in accordance with the Ministerial Code.
The occasions I travelled by train on official duties since my appointment as Secretary of State are as follows:
- 16 November 2001:London St. Pancras to Derby
- 9 November 2001:Leeds to Newcastle
- 8 November 2001:London Kings Cross to Leeds
- 6 November 2001:London Euston to Birmingham New Street
- Birmingham to London Euston
- 26 October 2001:London Paddington to Exeter St. Davids
- Exeter St. Davids to London Paddington
- 19 October 2001:London Kings Cross to Cambridge
- 14 September 2001:London Waterloo to Brussels (returning on 15 September)
589W - 1 August 2001:London Victoria to Mitcham
- Mitcham to London Victoria
- 6 July 2001:London Kings Cross to York
- 4 July 2001: London Kings Cross to York
- Harrogate to London Kings Cross
- 19 June 2001:London Victoria to Brighton
- Brighton to London Victoria.
I also travel by train regularly when not on official business, most recently on 28 January when travelling from Newcastle to London.