§ 47 and 48. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister (1) whether his ruling on the use of the official car service by Ministers on a pre-payment basis included use for the purpose of attending political meetings;
(2) whether he has continued the instructions given to Ministers in the last Government to the effect that visits made in an official capacity should not be combined with attendance at political meetings.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know what instructions were given to Ministers in the late Government, nor am I aware of the "pre-payment basis" system. Perhaps it is a misprint for "re-payment." Am I right?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is nothing like getting these things clear. In the case of Ministers entitled to police protection and therefore having the use of an official car for all purposes, journeys undertaken for personal reasons, including attendance at political meetings, are paid for by the Ministers concerned.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Prime Minister aware—I hope I shall not be accused of being impudent—that in the case of each political meeting which Ministers attended during the recent municipal elections we won the seats? Will he make arrangements in future for Ministers to attend political meetings so that we shall have even bigger successes at the next elections?
§ The Prime MinisterI am afraid that I do not attempt to exercise so positive a control over the Members of the present Government as the hon. Member suggests.