HC Deb 20 June 1950 vol 476 cc1062-3
48. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many miles, during each of the last three months, were charged to Cabinet Ministers in respect of their private use of official cars.

Sir S. Cripps

Mileage figures in respect of the private use of official cars by Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of Cabinet rank are furnished on a complete quarterly basis only. The latest reports cover the months January, February and March, 1950, for which period 3,136 miles were charged.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the small amount of amusement which these right hon. Gentlemen appear to have, will he inquire into some of the journeys to see if they included the English Cup Final?

Sir W. Smithers

How much is charged per mile?

Sir S. Cripps

That question has been answered several times and there is another Question on the Order Paper today.

Mr. Poole

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that this crawling in the guttter to try to find some muck to throw is deplored by all decent people, and that it was a very good thing that the Members of the war-time House of Commons had a higher conception of their public duty in regard to the travelling of Ministers in those days?

Earl Winterton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask whether the phrase "crawling in the gutter" as applied to a Question asked by a Member of the Opposition is in order, because, if so, some of us would like to use it about Members of the Government?

Mr. Speaker

I dislike ruling things out of order, but it is a statement which, anyhow, I do not like very much. I think I had better leave it at that.

49. Sir H. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state the total mileage of the pooled cars when used by Ministers during each of the last three months.

Sir S. Cripps

The total mileage of the pooled cars when used by Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of Cabinet rank for the last three months for which records are available is:—February, 36; March, 60; and April, 476. Use by other Ministers is not separately recorded.

Captain Waterhouse

Might not this practice, which was useful in time of war, be discarded now that motor cars can freely be hired through private channels?

Sir S. Cripps

In my opinion, no, Sir.