Written question asked by Jon Trickett (Labour) on Monday, 19 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 March 2012. It was answered by Chloe Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2012 on behalf of the Treasury.

Taxis

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on taxis for (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants between August 2011 and January 2012.

Answer: The total spend on UK taxis for the period August 2011 to January 2012 was £5,850.59 by Ministers and £42,445.59 by civil servants. These costs are exclusive of VAT.Taxi hire is for use by all HM Treasury Group staff for business use only.In line with HM Treasury's travel and subsistence policy, taxis should only be used where they will save official time or where a disabled member of staff is travelling to attend an official meeting. However it may be justifiable to use a taxi if an official is carrying classified documents, heavy or bulky luggage or when in an unknown locality as a result of official business. Taxis may also be used when travelling home or to work late at night (after 10.00 pm) or early morning (before 6.30 am) when an alternative method of transport is not available.Taxis are defined as a car available with a driver for hire, including a minicab.

Secondary information