Adderley put to the Minister the Honourable W. Alex Scott, on December 17, 1999.

Mr. Adderley: Question one: The first question that we would like to ask is how many GP vehicles has the Government replaced since November 8, 1998, and what cost per vehicle? Hon. Alex Scott, reply: Thank you Mr. Speaker. We actually are appreciative on this side for the question because the general public have over time voiced the same sorts of questions to both Governments and so, therefore, we think this would be to the benefit of the paying public.

The answer is 19 Government replacement cars have been purchased in the years 1998 and 1999. Five GP vehicles were purchased prior to November 8 and three after this date, making a total of 8 GP cars purchased in 1998.

The balance of Government's replacement vehicles 11, were acquired in 1999 making a total of 14 GP cars replaced since November 8, 1998.

The second part of the question, Mr. Speaker, is to the cost per vehicle.

If one takes the average cost of those purchased prior to November 8, you will see it is approximately $22,000. If you take the average cost of those purchased since, you will see it is $12,000.

We have worked very diligently to get value to Government for transportation but we have done it on scales and so that we can actually realise a savings.

The question did ask for a breakdown and I will do it very quickly so that it is a full blooded response. Works and Engineering have in the period after November 8, 1998, purchased four cars.

When I say Works and Engineering, this would be for the immediate use of Works and Engineering.

They have also purchased four other cars. The cost of two Suzukis is $10,854 each, a Mitsubishi Lancer $21,028 and a Suzuki Alto $10,599 for the Health Department.

In the period after November 8, 1998, there have been seven cars purchased, or seven vehicles probably would be more accurate. A Peugot $20,350, an Opal Astra $21,000, Daihatsu $11,000, a Daihatsu Curo $10,035, actually that's three Daihatsu Curo's at that price of $10,035, and that makes the fourth Daihatsu Curo at $10,035 and that would equal the seven for Health Department.

Education purchased one car in the period under review -- a Rover 400 that was for $26,000. Two Suzukis for public transport at a cost of $17,000 each Mr.

Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: The question: Do all Government Ministers presently have cars? If so, which ones do not have cars at the moment? The answer, Mr. Scott? Mr. Scott, reply: Mr. Speaker, the question is do all Cabinet Ministers have cars? The answer is no. And at least there are four, I am sure, and maybe one more who does not have the use of GP cars.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: It is proposed to get cars for those Cabinet Ministers, who do not presently have cars, within the next year? Honourable Member Scott, your reply? Mr. Scott, reply: We are aiming to provide those who need a car in the future, but there is certainly not the intention to do it within the next year. We are buying them according to budget and need.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: What is the Government's policy on the use of GP cars? Honourable Member Scott your reply? Mr. Scott, reply: Mr. Speaker, Government policy on the use of GP cars is set out in general orders 840 to 859 and financial instructions chapter 19, which is basically the financial references.

Log books must be kept, the heads of department must give permission, etcetera, etcetera, and the guidelines we are using are policy guidelines for all of Government.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: Mr. Speaker. Are there Members of the Government other than Cabinet Ministers who are assigned cars on a permanent basis? Honourable Member Mr. Scott, your reply? Are there Members of Government other than Cabinet Ministers who are assigned Cabinet cars? Mr. Scott, reply: There would be heads of departments who would have the use of Government cars.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: My second supplementary is how many Members of Parliament other than Cabinet Ministers are assigned cars? Honourable Member Mr. Scott, your reply? Mr. Scott, reply: None that I know of.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: Are all Government owned cars indicated by GP licence plate? Mr. Scott, reply: Mr. Speaker, for security reasons it has been the practice to allow certain vehicles not to be identified with GP licence plates. Several service departments have vehicles with regular licence plates .

With Transport Control Department assistance licence plates for Police vehicles are changed more frequently than normal transport, and I would appreciate if I am not asked to specify why.

Supplementary, Mr. Adderley: Mr. Speaker, in answering that question he has answered one of the other questions I have had but I would like to ask, do all Government cars, including fire and Police cars, comply with the size requirement and, if no, why not? Mr. Scott, reply: Mr. Speaker, to my knowledge, all cars, Government cars, satisfy and meet the size requirement. If there are any exceptions I certainly will report back to the House to that effect.