HL Deb 09 December 2003 vol 655 cc51-2WA
Lord Berkeley

asked the Chairman of Committees: What are the current rates for use of a motor vehicle and bicycle for Peers' travel between their homes and the House of Lords and on business of the House. [HL2]

The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

With effect from 1 April 2003, the rate of motor mileage allowance is 56.1 pence for the first 20,000 miles for the period to 31 March 2004. Further mileage in this period is payable at the rate of 25.9 pence per mile.

Also with effect from 1 April 2003, the rate of the bicycle allowance is 7.2 pence per mile.

Following resolutions of the House on 20 July 1994 and 20 May 1998, the rate of motor mileage allowance and bicycle allowance is uprated annually on 1 April in line with the increase in the retail prices index over the previous 12 months to March.

Lord Berkeley

asked the Chairman of Committees: What was the total amount of allowances claimed for use of car and bicycle by Peers during the last financial year; and how many Peers claimed for these two allowances. [HL3]

The Chairman of Committees

The information requested is not available in exactly the form requested. However, the total amount of travelling expenses reimbursed to Members for the last financial year was £1,875,168. The following table shows the methods of transport used and the total amounts reimbursed:

£
Method of transport Amount Reimbursed (2002–03)
Bicycle 68
Car 581,359
Rail 158,541
Air 38,387
Car and Rail 522,007
Car and Air 107,835
Car, Rail and Air 404,164
Rail and Air 62,807
Total 1,875,168

The total mileage claimed for travel by car in 2002–03 was 1,480,601 miles.

The total mileage claimed for travel by bicycle in 2002–03 was 990 miles and the amount reimbursed was £68.35. Two Members made claims for travel by bicycle in this period.

During 2002–03, a total of 392 Members made mileage claims.