HC Deb 08 March 1955 vol 538 c137
8. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is yet in a position to introduce legislation to allow members of the councils of boroughs and urban districts to be relieved of the burden of the expense of travelling in the performance of approved duties within the area of the council.

Mr. Sandys

No, Sir.

Mr. Wyatt

Would not it be appropriate if the Minister could take some action in this matter as in several areas, as a result of the recent decision of the courts, councillors who have previously been entitled to free passes on municipal transport so as to be better able to carry out their duties—which are often expensive, on account of the amount of travelling required—now have to pay their fares? Cannot the Minister do something instead of replying with a flat "No"?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member should not blame the courts. The trouble arises from the 1948 Act, which was passed by the Government of which the hon. Member was a member, and which authorised travelling expenses to county and rural district councillors but not to borough and urban district councillors.