§ 6. Mr. Laneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds in 1968 of overseas visits by members of the Government, including staff and other persons accompanying them.
§ Mr. Harold LeverAll Departments have been asked to keep the total of their expenditure on overseas visits for 1968–69 to not more than the total for 1967–68, absorbing the substantial increase in costs as a result of devaluation by reducing numbers of visits. Separate estimates for visits by members of the Government within this total are not available.
§ Mr. LaneWhile that is gratifying as far as it goes, if the hon. Gentleman is not willing to offer even an approximate estimate to the House, does not he see that this will cast fresh doubts on the Government's ability to control public expenditure?
§ Mr. LeverOne way of controlling Government expenditure is not to spend time on elaborate breakdowns of expenditure which are not particularly relevant.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWill the hon. Gentleman encourage Ministers, particularly junior Ministers, when travelling, at any rate in Europe, to travel by British airlines rather than by executive aircraft owned by the Board of Trade? Will he encourage them to set an example?
§ Mr. LeverThe most economical means of transport are always encouraged by the Treasury, and we shall continue in that practice.