§ Mr. LARDNERasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state what officials in the public services in Ireland are supplied with motor cars by their respective Departments; will he state whether these officials were paid travelling expenses before the introduction of motor cars; if so, whether he has any information at his disposal to show whether the provision of motor cars has effected a saving on the amount formerly paid for travelling expenses; and will he state whether these officials are allowed to use the motor cars supplied to them by the Department for private purposes?
§ Mr. REDMOND BARRYMotor cars have been supplied for the official use of the superior officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary and of the Congested Districts Board. The Estates Commissioners and the Resident Commissioner of National Education also have authority to hire motor cars when necessary. All these officials were formerly paid travelling expenses, and the use of motor cars has tended to economy and efficiency. The Department of Agriculture have purchased a motor car, the upkeep of which is defrayed from the Department's Endowment Fund. There is no reason to believe that officials are allowed to use the cars for private purposes.
§ Mr. LARDNERWill the hon. and learned Gentleman supply me with a statement showing the comparative cost before and since the adoption of motor cars?