HC Deb 15 October 1945 vol 414 cc734-5W
Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the frequent errors which arise in the administration of the system under which reconditioned ex-Service motor-cars can only be purchased under licence; and whether he will discontinue the present practice under which bad motor-cars are kept for applicants whose applications his officials wish to refuse but for which they cannot find adequate reasons.

Mr. Barnes

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir"; if the hon. Member will give me particulars of any particular instance he may have in mind, I will make inquiries into it. The implication contained in the second part of the Question is entirely without foundation.

Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of War Transport how many reconditioned ex-Service motor cars have so far been made available under license to ex-Servicemen; and whether he will arrange that in future as far as possible these ex-Service motor cars are reserved for ex-Servicemen.

Mr. Barnes

From June to September, 146 reconditioned ex-Service cars were made available to ex-Servicemen all of whom were disabled. The answer to the second part of the question is "No, Sir." At present about two-thirds of the cars available are going to disabled ex-Service-men and the remainder to nurses and mid-wives. While the supply of these cars remains so small I should not be justified in widening the field of applicants to include ex-Servicemen who are not disabled.