HC Deb 11 April 1951 vol 486 cc1021-2
51. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Defence why, in view of the difficulty of obtaining commissioned chaplains for the Forces and the necessity to appoint local clergymen as officiating chaplains, there is a differentiation in the car mileage allowance of 3½d. per mile for appointed chaplains, and 6d. per mile for permanent commissioned chaplains.

Mr. Shinwell

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. Crouch

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rate of 3½d. per mile for officiating chaplains was fixed in 1936, and that the cost of maintaining and running a motor car has increased many times since then?

Mr. Shinwell

When I saw this Question I made inquiries. It was disquieting that there should be any differentiation as between one kind of chaplain and another. Therefore, I decided to make further inquiries.