HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 cc515-6W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 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. [104965]

Mr. Jamieson

Staff in my Department must use the most efficient and economic means of travel commensurate with meeting operational needs.

Staff may only use first class air travel where it is unavoidable, for instance:

  1. (a) it is necessary to travel in the company of someone else who is travelling first class
  2. (b) there is an urgent business at short notice where no other class of ticket is available.

Business class air travel can be used by staff in the following circumstances:

Internal flights

  1. (a) they are a member of the Senior Civil Service at pay band 2 or higher
  2. (b) no tickets are available in economy class and the business need is urgent.

Overseas flights

  1. (a) the duration of the flight is more than 2½ hours
  2. (b) strict application of the rules might not be cost effective and can be justified by a saving in time or subsistence.

Staff may also use business class travel if:

  1. (a) the facilities provided in economy class do not meet their needs in that they are pregnant, suffering from a temporary or permanent disability or because of their physical stature.
  2. (b) it is necessary to travel in the company of someone else who is travelling business class.
  3. (c) they are a member of the Senior Civil Service who transferred to my Department from the Treasury Solicitor's Department and have reserved rights.