HC Deb 26 May 1954 vol 528 cc401-2
48. Air Commodore Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why members of British Embassy staffs have now to travel tourist class in aeroplanes when on duty.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

This is an economy measure.

Air Commodore Harvey

Is it not a false economy that Her Majesty's representatives to foreign countries have to sit in one part of the plane, while diplomats of second-rate nations sit in another? Why should we in this House travel first-class and expect diplomats from overseas to travel second-class?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Heads of Missions continue to use the normal air services, and so may others travelling on duty when the public interest so warrants. Whatever one does in a case like this, somebody will say it is extravagant, whereas, if it is the other way, they say it is being parsimonious. I think that this is an equitable settlement in the circumstances.

Mr. H. Morrison

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of us on the public service are quite content to travel tourist, and that it is not a bad thing in any public economy that members of the foreign service should travel tourist from time to time?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

As far as I know, there is nothing wrong with British airlines tourist class.