§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what grades in the Civil Service in his Department are allowed to travel by air(a) first class and (b) business class at public expense when on official duties. [104963]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggMy Department is committed to ensuring staff use the most efficient and economic means of travel in the circumstances, taking into account any management benefit or the needs of staff with disabilities.
Members of the Senior Civil Service are allowed to travel by air, first class or club class for journeys of over two and a half hours. For journeys of under two and a half hours staff would be expected to travel economy class if available. Staff at other levels are allowed to travel by air, at the higher class when they are travelling with someone entitled to the higher class of travel to discuss official business.