HC Deb 04 November 1947 vol 443 cc1522-3
36. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the travelling allowances payable to members of the Territorial Army in respect of the use of private cars in connection with their duties are adequate.

Mr. Shinwell

Members of the Territorial Army who use their cars for War Department duties for which a War Department car would otherwise have had to be provided receive the same allowance as members of the Regular Army in the same circumstances and I am satisfied that these rates are adequate. The rate of 1½d. a mile for those who use their cars for attendance at drills when public transport facilities are not available has recently been reviewed and an increase to 3d. a mile with effect from 25th September has now been authorised. An additional ½d. a mile will be allowed for each member of the Territorial Army carried as passenger who otherwise qualifies for refund of travelling expenses.

Mr. York

Is the Secretary of State aware that the present restrictions on the use of a car make it much more expensive per mile, and will he not take that into consideration?

Mr. Shinwell

That does not seem like a question for me.