asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which staff of his Department are entitled to claim first-class rail travel when on official duty; and what is the estimated amount claimed during 1976–77.

In accordance with standard Civil Service rules, normally only officers in grades with a national salary maximum above that of the Higher Executive Officer grade—currently £5,222 a year including supplements—are entitled to claim first-class fares when travelling on official duty, provided first-class fares are actually paid. The amount claimed during 1976–77 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.