HC Deb 11 December 1947 vol 445 cc1196-7
66. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that Government vehicles of 20 h.p. and over are used by Departments to deliver unimportant letters within the Metropolitan area; and why the postal services are not utilised for this purpose.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Motor services are Intended only for the conveyance of bulky or urgent papers, but naturally when there is room other papers may also be carried. If the hon. Member would let me have particulars of any cases where these conditions are not fulfilled, I shall be glad to have inquiries made.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 9th November a Government car, driven by a Government chauffeur and carrying a Government messenger, travelled across London and delivered me a letter which reads: Mr. Alexander asks me to acknowledge receipt of your letter, and will write you again as soon as possible"?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I was, of course, not aware of it, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to have been highly favoured.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Further to that reply, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 10th December a 27-horsepower car with a Government chauffeur and a Government messenger travelled across London to deliver me a letter which reads: With reference to your letter of 28th November, Mr. Alexander has handed this letter to the Secretary of State for War"?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

For the moment I naturally accept the facts as given by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. I can only promise that we will go into this matter, if the facts are as he states, we will take appropriate action.

Mr. Keeling

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are influenced in this matter by the fact that the postal services are very inferior to what they were before the war?

Mr. Speaker

That is another Question.