HC Deb 04 December 1946 vol 431 c329
65. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that drivers and transport employed by the Control Commission in the British zone of Germany are being used for illegal purposes by B.A.O.R. wives; and if he will arrange that they are forthwith used as originally intended.

Mr. J. Hynd

No, Sir, I am not aware of any instances to justify the allegation in the Question concerning illegal use of these facilities by B.A.O.R. wives.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

May I just explain myself? May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware of the fact that a good many British drivers are very resentful because they are being used to take B.A.O.R. wives to bridge parties and cocktail parties, and because they are also being used to take children to and from school, which is quite irregular?

Mr. Hynd

I am not aware of the first part of the question. It is quite possible that a few drivers may be taking wives to bridge parties. It is certainly proper that they should assist in transporting children to school where necessary, because of the complete absence of transport facilities in Germany, and the non-existence of transport facilities by which British children could be expected to travel to school.