§ 10. Brigadier-General Sir HILL CHILDasked what number of military motor cars are now being employed in London; and how many of these are allotted to persons who are neither War Office officials nor military officers?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of military motor cars now employed in London is 119. The number allotted to persons other than War Office officials or military officers, namely, to the Cabinet, Allied Missions, etc., is twenty-six.
§ Sir HILL CHILDAre these people who use the cars entitled to use them for purposes not connected with their official duties?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. A question was put on this subject, I think, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I think he gave a general answer that the whole matter was under consideration.
Lieut.-Colonel WALTER GUINNESSCan the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether, apart from the Minister responsible for the War Office any members of the Government are using these public cars?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir. I believe that the heads of several Departments are supplied with cars. That arose during the period of the War when communication was so very difficult. The Prime Minister gave a long answer, which I think my hon. and gallant Friend would do well to consult, that the whole matter is the subject of reconsideration at the present time with a view to seeing what steps should be taken to return to the normal.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTDoes the number given in the answer include the cars assigned to the Air Ministry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo; I do not think it does.
Captain TERRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman give us a list of the privileged people who have these cars?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAll these matters are accessible to hon. Members, and perhaps this question had better be put to the head of the Government.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have not taken any action, and I find it difficult to expatiate on the reasons.
§ Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHERHas my right hon. Friend taken one of the cars himself?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir.