To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the mileage rates currently applicable to staff, indicating what changes have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [67489]

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: Staff are encouraged to use public transport where it is available and if they do not do so, a single flat rate of 23.8 pence per mile is payable. Where public transport is not available, would give rise to excessive journey times or where staff have equipment or bulky luggage to carry, there are currently two sets of mileage rates payable for cars used on official business:

Pence per mile
	Ex-Department of the Environment staff		Ex-Department of Transport staff
Engine capacity	Up to 4000 miles	Over 4000 miles	Up to 4000 miles	Over 4000 miles
Up to 1000 cc	N/A		27	15
1001 cc to 1500 cc	34	19	35.7	19
1501 cc to 2000 cc	43	23	42	23
Over 2000 cc	47	30	46	30

The rates are currently under review not only to harmonise them but also as part of the Department's aim to encourage staff to minimise journeys by car and reduce the environmental impact of transport activity through Green Transport Plans. Consideration is being given to a single rate, regardless of engine size.