5.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cars are allotted to the five school dental surgeons of Malta in order to carry out their work; what is the financial saving of this method of transport compared with the use by each officer of his own car at a fixed mileage rate; if he can state the loss of time caused to each officer in using public transport instead of his own car; and which of these methods is the more efficient for carrying out the duties required of these officers.
One hired car is allotted to school dental surgeons. The financial saving could only be calculated if it were known what each officer would claim when using his own car. I am satisfied that if there is any loss of time it has no noticeable effect on the efficiency of the officers concerned.
Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present position—that there should be one car between five officers on three days a week? These men have been on strike, as far as their cars are concerned, for a considerable time, and the delay is creating bitterness. As instructions are given from this country to the G.I.C. in Malta, will the hon. Gentleman give instructions for a recall of this committee in order that this dispute may be settled?
I think that the hon. Gentleman is exaggerating the position. The whole question of motor cars was gone into by a Departmental committee, and it has been found that, without much loss of time, considerable economies have been made in the finances of the island of Malta.
But can the hon. Gentleman give the cost of paying these dental surgeons on a mileage basis, compared with the cost now in transport and loss of time?
I am convinced that this is the correct solution, which I am fully confident the Governor and the Council of Malta will achieve.