Only cyclists need apply for this job
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A QUALIFICATION for political office in the Department of Transport is the ability to ride a bike — and not just so as to look for work. Ernest Marples set a precedent years ago by cycling to the office and Kenneth Clarke, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, recently followed in the theatrical tyre marks of the master by riding along the new five-mile BittonBath cycle track to which a disused railway line has been converted. With ASLEF's help he is likely to have many more disused railway tracks on which to disport himself.
A Transport Minister should also be an enthusiastic driver. Do you remember the derision that Barbara Castle brought down on herself with the admission that she was no great shakes with a steering wheel?
And Fred Mulley risked ridicule when he confessed to the Press that he had failed a driving test because of his inability to reverse properly. This may explain why cuddly Uncle Fred was unable to back out of the offer of the post of Minister of Transport after Richard Marsh had indignantly resigned in protest at the Prime Minister withdrawing its Cabinet status.