§ 45. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether the provision of motor cars free of charge for the use of Ministers, officers, and officials of the Air Ministry has been, or will be, discontinued, as recommended by the recent Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure; and whether a similar reform will be introduced into the other Government Departments?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe number of motor cars in use by the Air Ministry has been considerably reduced since the Select Committee on National Expenditure reported On the subject. The question of the use of motor cars by this and other Government Departments is being carefully considered by the War Cabinet, and I hope that a very early decision will be reached.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my right hon. Friend convey to them the fact that, in the opinion of many of us, the time has come when an end should be put to this serious waste of public money?
§ Mr. BALDWINI will do it with the greatest pleasure, because I entirely agree with the hon. and learned Member.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHHow many of these cars were used on Whit-Sunday and Monday, and what business houses were they calling upon on those two days?
§ Mr. BALDWINI happened to be out of London then, but I can assure the hon. Member that I have never travelled in one.
Lieut.-Colonel MALONECan the hon. Gentleman say whether the plain clothes that most of the men are now wearing are supplied by the Ministry or by the officers?
§ Mr. BALDWINThat question should be addressed to the Minister.