§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the car mileage allowance was first payable to hon. Members; what payment was then made; what is the latest rate; how this compares with the original figure in real terms, allowing for the general depreciation in the £ sterling and particular rises in motoring costs; and to what extent the increase of 4½ per cent. in prices resulting from devaluation and the increases in indirect taxation will further depreciate its original purchasing value.
§ Mr. Harold LeverNo direct comparisons can be made between the original car mileage allowances introduced on 31st May, 1961, and the current flat rate mileage allowance of 4½d. a mile, since the former allowances varied with the type of car, and the current allowance, as recommended by the Lawrence Committee, was related to the cost of first class rail travel.