Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 7 July 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Friday, 7 July 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many (a) mobile telephones and (b) pagers are used by (i) the Minister for Europe and (ii) his officials; and what the cost was of (a) the mobile telephones and pagers and (b) calls made on the mobile telephones during the last year for which figures are available, identifying separately the figure for calls to non-UK telephone numbers. - Inc figures and fact that to provide details of the costs incurred would be in breach of commercial confidentiality.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) mobile telephones and (b) pagers are used by (i) the Minister for Europe and (ii) his officials; and what the cost was of (a) the mobile telephones and pagers and (b) calls made on the mobile telephones during the last year for which figures are available, identifying separately the figure for calls to non-UK telephone numbers. [129251] Mr. Battle: It is imperative for the Minister for Europe to remain in close contact both at home and overseas. The Minister is provided with one mobile telephone. His officials have three. There is also a mobile telephone in the ministerial car. FCO mobile telephone line rental and call costs are at competitive commercial rates. To provide details of the costs incurred would be in breach of commercial confidentiality.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 129251; 353 c344W;353 c342W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Costs Civil servants Government departments Mobile phones Ministers Foreign and Commonwealth Office Pagers Vaz, Keith
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk