Driven Mad

I read recently that the BBC is spending £130,000 on a redundant chauffeur-driven car - which sounds incredible in these srticken economic times.

The reason for this madness is that the new Chairperson of the BBC - Lord Chris Patten (a former minister in the Thatcher government of course) - has refused to use the chauffeur-driven car because it's a waste of public money.

Apparently Lord Patten declined the offer - explaining that he would use public transport instead.

Good for him - but how embarrassing for the BBC!

Meanwhile the Beeb continues to pour this money down a proverbial drain - because the cost of cancelling the contract is too great - and it's better to wait until the contract comes to its natural end.

So other senior managers at the BBC are being driven around in luxury - instead of following the example of their new leader, Lord Patten.

Not many people know this - but the general secretary of the TUC was always provided with a chauffeur-driven car to get to work - in central London.

Sounds incredible I know - but there you are - although the TUC has just appointed a new female boss - Frances O'Grady.

Let's hope she follows Lord Patten's lead and saves the members' money by saying she'll get the tube into work - just like millions of ordinary Londoners.