HC Deb 26 June 1950 vol 476 cc1880-1
21. Captain Waterhouse

asked the Minister of Supply what are the overtime rates paid to chauffeurs of official cars waiting outside this House during late Sittings; and how many of these drivers waited till 6.30 a.m. on Thursday, 15th June.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Overtime rates paid to chauffeurs of official cars are 3s. 1d. an hour for the first two hours each day and 3s. 8¼d. thereafter. No driver waited until 6.30 a.m. on Thursday, 15th June, but twelve drivers reported at the House for duty between 6.30 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Captain Waterhouse

Does the Minister consider that keeping men up to these late hours in order to drive Ministers only a short distance from this House is in accord with the best principles?

Mr. Strauss

I do not think that the right hon. and gallant Member could have heard my reply. No cars were kept there all night. Certain cars reported for duty at 6.30 a.m.

Mr. David Renton

What is the latest hour of the night or early morning to which official cars are kept with drivers as a matter of normal routine?

Mr. Strauss

There is no normal routine in the matter of the latest hour. No car was kept on that particular morning after 2.30.