HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 cc574-5W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [104973]

Hilary Benn

The Home Office is committed to ensuring that staff use the most efficient and economical means of travel which meets the operational need.

Entitlement to first and business class air travel in the Home Office is determined by the airlines' fare structure for the flight, the grade of the member of staff travelling and the duration of the flight. Entitlements are summarised as follows.

(Senior Executive Officer) (or equivalent) and above Other Grades
Structure Up to 2.5 hours Over 2.5 hours Up to 2.5 hours Over 2.5 hours
First/Economy Economy First Economy Economy
Business/tourist (or equivalent) Business Business Tourist Business
First/Business/Tourist (or equivalent) Business (Grades 1 and 1A may travel first class) Business Tourist Business

Travel in higher classes than those set out in the table may be allowed in the following circumstances:

  1. (a) for journeys of up to 2.5 hours flying time outside the UK, but within Europe, if it is necessary to cover the outward and return flights within one calendar day;
  2. (b) the next higher class (business or first as appropriate) may be allowed where strict application of the rules might not be cost effective (perhaps because of restrictions on Tourist bookings), or when a journey of four hours or more necessarily has to be made overnight;
  3. (c) where there is a choice on particular routes, preference should be given to flights with a Business option when members of the Senior Civil Service are travelling, since this will normally be more economical;
  4. (d) where members of the Senior Civil Service travel on flights of more than four hours duration and no business tier is available;
  5. (e) when a member of staff necessarily travels in company with another entitled to a higher class of travel in order to discuss or deal with official business;
  6. (f) when a member of staff necessarily travels for official reasons in company with a person who is not a United Kingdom Civil Servant, who is travelling in a higher class.