§ 44. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Minister of Agriculture the total travelling expenses incurred by his Department during the last year; and how much of this sum was paid in first-class railway fares?
§ The MINISTER of ARICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)The total amount of travelling expenses (excluding subsistence allowances) incurred by the staff of the Ministry during the 12 months ended February last, which is the last year for which figures are available, was approximately £58,000. Of this sum approximately £9,000 was paid in first-class railway fares.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing third-class rather than first-class fares, in the interest of economy.
§ Sir J. GILMOURThis matter is governed by Treasury regulations applicable to all Departments and would have to be considered on that basis.