HC Deb 20 January 2003 vol 398 c1W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how many cars in the Government Car Service pool will pay the full London congestion charge; and how many will be eligible for a reduction; [91098]

(2) how many and what proportion of the Government Car Service drivers are (a) women and (b) from a racial minority; and what were the equivalent figures in (a) 1997 and (b) 2000; [91096]

(3) if he will list the cars in the Government Car Service pool broken down by (a) make, (b) model. (c) registration number and (d) where they are registered. [91097]

Mr. Alexander

The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the framework document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its chief executive Mr. Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the impact of the congestion charge on(a) the Government Car Service and (b) Ministers on official business. [91100]

Mr. Alexander

The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the framework document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its chief executive Mr. Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

However, there is no special exemption from the congestion charge for Government vehicles. GCDA will meet the cost of the congestion charge for its fleet of vehicles and will cover the cost from its customers.

Any congestion charge incurred by Ministers while on official business would be met by Departments.