§ 63. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether in order to assist investigation into the proper use of petrol allowances he will arrange for all vehicles owned or operated by Government Departments to bear a conspicuous mark.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallGovernment-owned vehicles already display on their windscreens either a G-licence or an exempt licence; the majority have other distinctive markings.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the insignificant and inconspicuous nature of this mark from a distance and in view of the very large number of vehicles to be seen on the roads at the moment, would not a more conspicuous mark assist the police in the performance of a very difficult task imposed on them as a result of the policy of the Minister of Fuel and Power?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallI think the markings are very well known to the police in most areas. If the hon. Gentleman is anxious that the Government should save as much petrol as possible, I should like to inform him and the House that every precaution is taken by logging all journeys to make sure that petrol is not used unnecessarily.
Mr. VaneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it would be of interest to the general public as well as the police to be able to see what proportion of vehicles now on the road are owned or operated by Government Departments? Has he considered putting a broad arrow on each of the front doors?