§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service on what date the supply of a personal tax-free car with full costs of drivers and upkeep was initiated other than in the cases of the present two ex-Prime Ministers in the House; and what other public servants are permitted to have cars supplied on this basis.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisOfficial cars and drivers have been provided for many years. They are now supplied to certain 19W Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen of Government Boards and also to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector and Inspectors of Constabulary. Some cars are supplied for individual use on official duties and others are shared. In February 1975 all the then former Prime Ministers were offered the use of an official car for journeys to attend official engagements and on parliamentary business in their capacity as former Prime Ministers. At the same time the Leader of the Opposition accepted the offer of an official car and driver.