82. Lieut. Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the "Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether steps have now born taken to prevent the use of Government motor cars for private convenience 218 such as the conveyance of officials of the Air Ministry to and from their residences and meals, and other unofficial business?
§ Major-General SEELYThe instructions prescribe that the use of cars is strictly limited to actual Service requirements, and I am advised that there is no ground for supposing that the facilities given are abused. It is held to be reasonable that high officials of the Air Ministry should be enabled, if necessary, to proceed by car to and from their residences when they have to work excessively long hours and require to economise time to the utmost.
§ Mr. TURTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it was necessary for the lady who was driving an Air Ministry motor car to take officers to Ascot on official business?
§ Major-General SEELYNo, Sir, I was not aware that any lady driver drove an Air Ministry car to Ascot, and if that is the case, and if the hon. Member would let me know the occasion referred to, and the name of the car and of the lady, I will have the matter inquired into.
§ Mr. TURTONIf the right hon. Gentleman will read the "Times" newspaper this morning he will see a report of a police court, where the lady was fined £10 for excessive driving?
§ Major-General SEELYI only had a glance at the newspaper this morning with reference to this matter, but I do not believe the car had anything to do with the Air Ministry. If she was in any way connected with the Air Ministry that is another matter.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that two members of the Government motored down to Palace Yard to-day in Government cars, each of them sitting beside a charming chauffeuse?
§ Major-General SEELYI was not aware, and I deeply regret I was not one of those Ministers.