Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) on Thursday, 29 January 2009.

Northern Ireland Office: Taxis

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by the Lord President (Baroness Royall of Blaisdon) on 18 December 2008 (WA 73) concerning expenditure on taxis by the Northern Ireland Office, how many journeys were made; where; and at what costs during the first few weeks of financial year 2007–08.

Answer: During the first two weeks of the 2007-08 financial year, the Northern Ireland Office was invoiced for 37 taxi journeys at a total cost of £323.40. A breakdown of the 37 journeys made is as follows: 31 journeys were made between Stormont Estate and various other Greater Belfast locations, including Belfast City Airport; Four journeys were made between various Greater Belfast locations outside of Stormont Estate; and Two journeys were made between Belfast City Airport and locations outside the Greater Belfast area. In addition to invoiced taxi journeys, other reimbursable taxi costs were reclaimed by staff through travel and subsistence expenses claims for this period. The costs of these journeys are included within incidental expenses and details could only be identified at disproportionate cost. The department advises that, before any business-related journey is made, each member of staff should take into account the most cost-effective means of transport, for example mileage costs and car parking.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 749; 707 c76WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Northern Ireland Office: Taxis
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland Office: Taxis
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland Office: Taxis
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Expenditure Taxis Northern Ireland Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk