asked the Minister of Supply the cost to his Department of the official car service, so far as road tax and petrol charges are concerned; and what the figure is estimated to be arising from the recent increases in the Budget proposals.

Road tax is not payable on vehicles belonging to the Crown. On the basis of the prices of petrol prevailing immediately prior to the Budget, the cost of petrol used by the Official Car Service for a period of 12 months ending 31st March, 1952, is estimated at £56,538. On the basis of the new increased prices the estimated cost would have been £66,793.