§ 40. Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that British officers travelling on special troop trains from London to Liverpool, en route for Malaya, are charged excess luggage on the baggage which they have to take; and if he will arrange with British Railways to cease this practice, or to charge any excess to his department's account.
§ Mr. StracheyWe do pay for an officer's baggage up to at least 5 cwt. for himself, an additional 6 cwt. for his wife and a further 1 cwt. for each child. He has only to get a warrant or consignment note for excess baggage up to this amount.
§ Sir J. LucasIn view of the fact that many of these young officers are not married and have very little experience 2090 of how much they have to take, maybe for one year or two years or perhaps for many years, cannot the Minister allow a reasonable latitude?
§ Mr. StracheyI should have thought that 5 cwt. was a reasonable latitude.
§ 60. Sir J. Lucasasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that officers proceeding in Government troop trains from London to Liverpool, en route for Malaya, are charged excess luggage rates for kit which they have to take, he will allow such payments for Income Tax relief until such time as they may be abolished.
§ Sir J. LucasIf I am able to show that these men have been charged at the wrong rate will he see that suitable action is taken?
§ Sir S. CrippsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has made it quite clear that there are very adequate allowances in these cases.
§ Sir J. LucasBut the men appear to have been charged at the wrong rate. Cannot something be done about it?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am afraid that that has nothing to do with me.