HC Deb 17 February 1948 vol 447 cc967-8
10. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the reasons which justified him employing motor-cycle outriders on the occasion of his visit to military camps on 5th January; and what was the amount of petrol consumed by this escort on the journey.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)

The motor-cycle outriders were provided for traffic control in order that I could visit the maximum number of Anti-Aircraft Command units in the limited time available. Approximately four gallons of petrol were used.

Sir T. Moore

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that it was somewhat unwise to associate himself with this rather extravagant and ostentatious display, when so many of the public are suffering much hardship through the abolition of the basic petrol ration?

Mr. Shinwell

The point is that it associated itself with me.