TRAVELLING EXPENSES

Southland Times, Issue 21198, 26 September 1930, Page 7

TRAVELLING EXPENSES

MINISTERS OF THE CROWN. , MR PERRELLE FREQUENTLY OUT OF POCKET. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, September 25. The reference to travelling expenses of Ministers of the Crown marie during the recent by-election at Invercargill was commented on by Mr R. A. Wright (R., Wellington Suburbs) during the debate on the estimates for the Department of Internal affairs in the House of Representatives early this morning. “Moro extensive travelling expenses were necessary during the first year of the new Ministry,” the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle said in reply, and £5,477 less would be required during the present, financial year. Of the amount paid last financial year £5,225 consisted of transfers from the Department of Internal Affairs to other Government Departments. In respect of rail and government motor car services the total amount,' actually received by 13 Ministers of Cabinet was £2,795. The travelling expenses were for the purpose of meeting hotel accommodation and certain other personal expenses, incurred while travelling and very often the allowance fell short of the amount expended. His own experience was that he was frequently out of pocket through travelling. “As far as this Government is concerned the Ministers are not travelling for mere pleasure or from choice, but, in the interests of the country generally,” Mr Perrello said in conclusion.