§ 7. Mr. Moelwyn Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will take drastic steps to reduce the speeds of all Royal Air Force vehicles on the roads of this country with a view to extensive economies on petrol, oil, tyres and upkeep?
§ Sir A. SinclairSteps have already been taken in the direction suggested by the hon. Member. The permitted maximum speeds of Royal Air Force vehicles have been reduced, and vehicles may normally proceed only at the economical cruising speeds laid down for the various types of vehicle in use.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cruising speed for cars of 14 h.p. and over is 55 miles an hour and that, if this were brought down to 40, it would mean doubling the life of the tyres? Is not that a contribution that the Air Force could make to the tyre situation?
§ Sir A. SinclairI cannot carry in my mind the speed fixed for every class of vehicle, but I think the 55 miles to which the hon. Member refers is a maximum speed. They are now being confined to, the lower of two economic cruising speeds.
§ Mr. HughesI am sorry to contradict the right hon. Gentleman, but I have seen the order. The maximum is 60 and the cruising speed is 55.
§ Sir A. SinclairI will look into the matter.