HC Deb 23 March 1960 vol 620 cc496-7
34. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport on what basis he founded his estimate of £3,750 in Subhead L of the Transport (Shipping and Special Services) Estimate for 1960–61.

Mr. Hay

This is an estimate of the amount which will be expended on travel by British Railways on State business by members of the Royal Family and the personal staffs accompanying them.

Mr. Rankin

How does it come that after nine years of Tory misrule the Government have only now discovered this omission? What representations were made to them about it and from what source did the representations come? Does the hon. Gentleman think that it is fair and reasonable that in a case where the Household income is £475,000 per year there should be free travel by sea, land and air while at the same time the Government are denying even cheap travel by tram or bus to old people whose weekly income is £2 10s. a week?

Mr. Hay

I hope the hon. Gentleman feels better now that he has got all that off his chest.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will feel better after he has said that.

Mr. Speaker

That has no semblance of being a point of order and it occupied the time, of the House when it should not have done. Mr. Janner. Question No. 35.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

I cannot remember whether the supplementary question was answered. If it was not answered, then I desire to have it answered. I apologise to the House.

Mr. Hay

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that none of it is due to nine years of so-called Tory misrule. It is due principally to the fact that there was, after the General Election, a division of the former Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation into two Ministries.