HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 c1739
14. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will permit Army vehicles to be used without charge by troops stationed 10 miles from Trieste when proceeding on leave or furlough to Trieste.

Mr. Bellenger

The normal charge at home and abroad for the use of War Department transport by troops for recreational purposes is ¼d. a mile, with a maximum of 6d. for each return journey, for each passenger. As this charge is certainly considerably less than would normally be incurred by troops if public transport were available, I am not prepared to modify it.

Mr. Turton

Is the Minister aware that this camp has no recreational facilities at all, and that the troops stationed there regard it as mean that they have to buy these tickets before they can use Government transport?

Mr. Bellenger

The G.O.C.-in-C. has permission to waive the charges if he thinks it necessary to do so.

Mr. Turton

Will the Minister draw the attention of the General Commanding to this position and ask him to reconsider the matter?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir.