§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, as a means of supporting the Government's dual policies reducing public expenditure and conserving energy he will circulate all local authorities and other public organisations within his ministerial responsibility requesting them to ensure that all their staffs and officials cease using cars and vehicles where public transport can be used without too much loss to efficiency of the public services provided.
§ Mr. HeseltineLocal authorities are aware, through our regular contact with their associations, of the Government's policies and of the action we are taking to reduce public expenditure. Similar links exist with the water industry and the new towns. The Government's drive to economise in the use of oil extends to the whole public sector, including local authorities. Government officials will shortly be meeting representatives of the local authority associations and the New Towns Association to consider jointly the contribution authorities can make to this effort. I have no doubt that authorities will be able to decide whether measures are needed to restrict the use of vehicles by their staffs and officials.