HC Deb 04 December 1928 vol 223 cc997-8
15. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions an officer may use his private car upon official business?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As the statement of the conditions is somewhat long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The conditions generally are those applied in all Government Departments to the use of private cars by officials for journeys on the public service.

Following is the statement:

An officer may use his private motorcar on official business either (a) when its use has been approved, by or on behalf of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the command in which he is serving, as necessary for the performance of duties which could not be satisfactorily performed by the use of the ordinary means of transport—rail, omnibus, etc.—or (b) for his own convenience when the duties on which he is engaged could be as well performed by the ordinary means of transport.

Under condition (a) the officer is paid a mileage allowance based on the horsepower of the car—

The 6¼ rate is granted only with due regard to the officer's rank and duties. After 7,500 miles have been performed on official duties in any one year these rates are reduced to 2½d., 3¼d., and 4d. respectively for mileage performed in the same year in excess of 7,500.

Under condition (b) the officer is only allowed for the use of his car an amount equal to what would have been incurred had the ordinary means of transport been used.

In all cases where a car is used on duty it is a necessary condition that it should be insured by the owner at his own expense to cover its use on official business and third-party risks.