HC Deb 21 January 1941 vol 368 cc12-3
33. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that civilian chauffeurs are being employed to drive Army motor cars; what wages and allowances are they being paid; and will he, in the interests of economy, replace such drivers with soldiers?

Captain Margesson

I am aware that the War Department employ many civilians, including some motor drivers, in establishments under their control. This does not apply to fighting units, but to administrative and training establishments where military efficiency is not impaired by their employment. These civilians are paid at the trade union rate or other recognised local fair wage. Civilian and military conditions of service and emoluments differ so widely that a fair comparison of the cost is difficult. Where civilians, particularly those who may be too old or otherwise unfit for military service, can be suitably employed, their replacement by soldiers would be an uneconomical use of available man-power.

34. Mr. Culverwell

asked the Secretary of State for War why officers are not permitted to drive Army motor cars; and whether, in order to reduce the number of soldiers and civilians employed as chauffeurs, he will rescind this regulation?

Captain Margesson

Officers are permitted to drive War Department cars in an emergency, but, even if this practice were extended, it would still be necessary to have a soldier driver for care and maintenance duties.

Mr. Culverwell

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a considerable shortage of drivers in the Army and that for that reason civilians are often employed, at expensive rates, to drive officers? If officers were allowed to drive, would not that expense be saved?

Captain Margesson

I have said that officers are allowed to-drive in an emergency, but I do not think it would be right to take officers away from other duties and put them on to driving cars.

Mr. Culverwell

My right hon. and gallant Friend has not understood my suggestion. I did not say that officers should be employed as drivers, but that they should be allowed to drive the cars allotted to them.