Question
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Coaker on 27 October (HL4032), when they will provide the information requested.
Answer
Further to the Answer of 27 October 2026 to Question HL4032, the Ministry of Defence does not have a specific contract for the provision of ministerial cars. Ministerial travel is generally supported by vehicles provided from Defence resources under the Department’s wider Phoenix 3 White Fleet contract, managed by Babcock. Phoenix 3 commenced on 1 March 2026 and provides White Fleet vehicles to meet requirements across Defence. Vehicles used to support Ministers and Service Chiefs form part of these wider arrangements and do not constitute a separate or exclusively ministerial fleet. The contract therefore does not specify a fixed number of vehicles for ministerial use. Contracts are awarded against Defence requirements and in accordance with applicable procurement obligations, including the need to secure value for money for the taxpayer, rather than a specific country of manufacture.
Verdict: AMBER (72/100)
The question asked when the outstanding information would be provided. The reply supplies the details in the same response, covering the contract arrangement, vehicle numbers and procurement basis, so the asker does not need to wait for a later release. It gives no explicit date, however, because the answer is delivered immediately rather than promised for a later time, so the timing is answered by implication rather than stated outright.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| When will the Government provide the information requested in the Written Answer by Lord Coaker on 27 October (HL4032)? | Addressed | Direct | The item asks when the outstanding information will be provided, and the reply supplies that information directly in the same response (no specific contract, Phoenix 3 White Fleet arrangement via Babcock, vehicle numbers, and procurement basis), so the delivery is effectively immediate even though no separate date is stated. |