asked the Secretary of State for Air why his lands officers have to be driven about by civilian drivers; and whether, in the interests of manpower economy, he will terminate this practice and authorise such officers to drive themselves.

In order to save their time and to increase their efficiency, the lands officers of my Ministry do much of their travelling by road. It is usually possible for a number of officers going to different places to share a car. The Ministry, therefore, provide one car, of course with a driver, for every five of these officers. I am satisfied that this plan saves cars and petrol and is, therefore, in the national interest.