HC Deb 27 November 1962 vol 668 cc200-1
Q1. Mr. Thorpe

asked the Prime Minister what are the regulations governing the use by Ministers of Royal Air Force aircraft for the purposes of travelling to address political party meetings.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

No specific regulations are necessary. It is of course well understood that Ministers do not use Royal Air Force aircraft for the purposes of travelling to address political party meetings.

Mr. Thorpe

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Secretary of State for Air is reported as having been specially flown in a Royal Air Force Devon aircraft on 26th October to address two Conservative Party meetings at Amersham and Chesham? May we know what other official business was included in this trip? What part of the cost has now been charged to the local Conservative Association, and would the Prime Minister agree that it would be an unfortunate Ministerial practice if Tory meetings were squeezed in at taxpayers' expense when Ministers were journeying on official business?

The Prime Minister

The facts are that on 26th October my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air flew from Northolt in a Royal Air Force aircraft to make official visits to two Royal Air Force stations in Norfolk. On the return journey the aircraft landed at Bovingdon, and my right hon. Friend went from there by private car to meetings in Chesham and Aylesbury. I do not see that there was anything improper in that.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the Prime Minister say what is the use of sending Ministers to address political meetings? They do not seem to have met with any success.

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Gentleman has a varied experience of success and failure and a flamboyant way of expressing himself in both cases.

Mr. Thorpe

Will the Prime Minister answer the Question? Would he agree that it would be unfortunate if it became the practice for Ministerial journeys at the taxpayers' expense to be used for the purpose of Tory meetings?

The Prime Minister

It is a terribly long way round to Chesham and Aylesbury to go to Norfolk.