Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 21 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 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.

32 (The Royal) Squadron

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the occasions on which she has used 32 (The Royal) Squadron since 2001; what the approximate take-off and landing times were of each flight; whether the carbon emissions were offset in respect of each flight; which other transport options were considered for each flight; why other transport options were not used; for what official duties each flight was used; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The rules on the use of special flights, including 32 Squadron, 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 destination, cost and 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