Written question asked by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 April 2006. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Monday, 5 June 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Queen's Flight

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what occasions she has travelled on the Queen's Flight since 2002; what the (a) departure point, (b) destination, (c) distance travelled and (d) cost was of each flight; how many (i) other Ministers and (ii) officials travelled on the same flight; how the costs are calculated; and on what basis decisions are made on whether such flights are cost effective.

Answer: The use of 32 Squadron flights is governed by time and cost considerations. The rules on the use of special flights are set out in ““Travel by Ministers””. The annual lists of overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers costing over £500 set out when special flights are used, and the purpose of each trip. Copies are available in the Library. Carbon dioxide emissions arising from 32 Squadron flights are included in the Government's carbon offsetting commitment. Carbon emissions arising from the use of these flights have been recorded and offset in the same way as the use of scheduled flights since April 2005.

Secondary information