Inquiry into Blair trips in Queen's private jets

Tony Blair's use of the Queen's Flight to take his family on holiday is to be investigated as part of a review of ministerial air travel.

Sir Peter Gershon has been asked to conduct the inquiry into whether taxpayers' money should be spent maintaining the RAFoperated passenger jets.

The inquiry follows allegations that Mr Blair cost taxpayers up to £100,000 by using the Queen's Flight for his family holiday in the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh.

Downing Street said the Blairs paid the equivalent commercial cost for the flights on the plane, which was used for "security reasons".

But it has emerged that the Queen's Flight - an ageing fleet of five aircraft - is frequently used by other ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett.

Sir Peter, who recently conducted a review of Whitehall waste, has been asked to examine whether such trips are necessary. He has also been asked to take into account the security implications, leading to suggestions his review has been ordered to pave the way for an official Downing Street plane.

Sir Peter's investigation could also have embarrassing implications for the royal family. The cost of flights for the royal family last year rose from £2,996,000 to £3,623,000. This is reported to include the £325,000 travel costs of the Duke of York.