45. EARL Of RONALDSHAYasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that over large areas in the North of England the sale of petrol to the public ceased on or about 8th February and has not since been resumed; that petrol required by officers of His Majesty's Forces in the prosecution of their military duties can only be obtained on presentation of a certificate granted by the military authorities and only at specified depots; that these depots are often at such a distance as to render such certificates of no use; and, under these circumstances, will he make representations to the companies possessing a practical monopoly of the supply of petrol with a view to securing a more equable distribution of such stocks as are available for public consumption?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGE (for the Prime Minister)The question of the supply and distribution of petrol has been engaging the attention of the Ministry of Munitions and the Board of Trade. Arrangements are being made to ensure an improvement in the supply and distribution of petrol for military purposes.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is intended to raise the price of petrol by the intervention of the State, as in the case of coal, for industrial purposes?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am not in a position to answer.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMMay I ask whether the use of petrol by the public has been shut down, and whether that also applies to the petrol used by Ministers?