Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's policy is on alcohol consumption on the premises (a) in general and (b) during parties in his Private Office.

The Department’s general alcohol policy is contained in its Staff Handbook and applies to the consumption of alcohol during parties in the Secretary of State’s Private Office. The general policy is set down below:

‘1.6 Alcohol is prohibited in some of the Department's premises (see local instructions) and where there is no formal ban, line managers are expected to ensure that office parties do not cause disruption to the work of the office. All staff are expected to be scrupulous in observing the law on drinking and driving.’

Local instructions are set down below:

· Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) policy prohibits the consumption of alcohol on its premises during working hours and consequently, staff hold their parties in their own time and off site. In addition, employees are expected to be in a fit and safe condition to undertake their duties and not be under the influence of alcohol during the working day. When representing the Agency at an external function employees must adopt a responsible attitude towards their drinking. Drinking is also prohibited when driving on official business.

· Highways Agency (HA) policy also prohibits consumption of alcohol during work time, including all breaks. This means that attendance at work under the influence and/or the consumption of alcohol is forbidden and this is due to the safety critical working environment of some of their employees.