British trade minister keeps his Jag

• Lord Jones escapes hybrid initiative
• Says Toyota Prius isn't British enough
• Carbon dioxide emission will rise as a result

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Britain's trade minister has been granted special dispensation to be driven in a Jaguar, rather than a more environmentally friendly Toyota Prius.

Lord Jones was granted the exemption from a Government-backed initiative for MPs to use hybrid cars after successfully arguing that he should be driven in a British-built car.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: 'It was considered appropriate to make an exception because of his specific ministerial responsibility for promoting British exports.'

A spokesman for Lord Jones said: 'The decision followed the proper internal process. He specifically wanted a British-built car. Given the amount of driving he undertakes, it compares well on environmental factors.'

A Toyota Prius manages 65.7mpg and emits 104g/km of carbon dioxide. It has been reported that Lord Jones car will probably be a 2.0-litre diesel X-type, with economy of around 48mpg and emissions of 150g/km of carbon dioxide.