HC Deb 23 March 1950 vol 472 cc2152-3
12. Mr. Moeran

asked the Minister of Health on what grounds an ambulance belonging to the local authority in Bedford was used for the purpose of transporting Mr. House, of 2, Wendover Drive, Bedford, to a polling station on 23rd February, 1950; who gave permission for this public service vehicle in charge of a uniformed driver to be so employed; and what action he proposes for dealing with this irregularity

Mr. Bevan

I have made inquiries, and I am informed that the vehicle was a private car belonging to the ambulance station officer, and that, although in uniform at the time, the officer was, in fact, not on duty.

Mr. Moeran

Having regard to the ownership of the ambulance, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to its use, and permission for its use, with his customary zeal and energy?

Mr. Bevan

I have made inquiries into this matter, and, as I say, it was a private car and not an ambulance.

Captain Soames

Would the Minister try to persuade his hon. Friend to apologise to the public body against whom he has levelled this false and serious accusation?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

May I, Mr. Speaker, ask your advice on this problem? Is it not a fact that this Question says that the car was an ambulance owned by a local authority, that this statement is quite untrue, and should not hon. Members be careful not to ask Questions based on information which is quite false and largely, if not entirely, tendered because they dislike the result of elections in neighbouring constituencies?

Mr. Speaker

It is not a matter for me. Every Member is responsible for what he puts down, and if it is in order it has to go on the Paper.

Sir H. Williams

If the hon. Member is responsible, what is the sanction on him if he is wrong?