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 Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 26 June 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

32 (The Royal) Squadron

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions on which he 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 he will make a statement.

Answer: 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. Special flights are only used as a last resort once all alternative transport options have been considered.

Secondary information