To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [67493]

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: The current standard mileage rates are as follows:

Up to 1500cc: 35.7p

1501–2000cc: 40p

Over 2000cc: 43p

Public transport rate 22.3p.

The Department continues to encourage the use of public transport by providing enhanced public transport information; encouraging alternative forms of transport by providing additional cycle storage areas and by limiting the use of private transport for business purposes.