§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last used the railway service in connection with his official duties; what station he left from and what was the destination; and whether it is his intention to make greater use of the railways in future. [28090]
§ Mr. BlunkettAll arrangements for official travel are made in line with the 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. My last official visit by train was on 11 December last year to address the Balsall Health Forum in the west midlands. For this visit I returned to London by rail from Birmingham New Street to London Euston. I intend to continue using the railway for official travel whenever this is practical.
I almost always travel to and from my constituency by rail, undertaking official duties in and around the area of Sheffield. The last official engagement on such a visit was on Friday 11 January.