56. Sir R. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the recent practice by which large industrial undertakings have lent public relations officers to some of the Government Departments, what travel or other expenses incurred in connection with the duties they are called upon to perform are chargeable to public funds.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterOnly one of the four honorary public relations officers in Government Departments is lent by a "large industrial undertaking," but I assume the hon. Baronet intended his Question to cover all four. Two, I understand, have not so far claimed any reimbursement of expenses. One receives a season ticket covering travel between his home and his office, and incurs no other expenses. The fourth receives subsistence allowances when travelling on Departmental business, and reimbursement of travelling and entertainment expenses, on the same terms as apply to paid civil servants engaged on comparable duties.
Sir R. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice of using honorary P.R.O.s is unnecessary, unfortunate, unsatisfactory and one which should be abolished at the earliest possible opportunity?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have noted my hon. Friend's adjectives.