HC Deb 10 July 1918 vol 108 cc308-9
33. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the steps taken to prevent the use of officers' cars in France for other than military purposes; and, in particular, whether the Regulations governing the issue of petrol to such cars and the inspection of cars on the road are as strict in France as in this country?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This is a matter which I think must be left to the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, but I understand that the Regulations on the subject are very strict and that frequent road controls to check the use of motorcars are in operation. For units in the field, as distinct from lines of communication, etc., it is doubtless not possible to check the mileage run as carefully as it is at home, but otherwise the control exercised is the same.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is there as strict control behind the lines in France as there is behind the lines in England at the present time?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am told that there is.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to that?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have made inquiries from the Army Service Corps, and I made inquiries this morning from a high authority on the subject.