§ 32. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the waste of petrol in the camps, and will he cause measures to be taken that will prevent this waste; whether he can say if officers stationed at the depots in this country and possessing motors of their own are given a free supply of petrol; and, if that be so, will he see that any gratuitous supply for services other than military is stopped?
§ Mr. FORSTERMeasures to prevent waste in petrol have already been taken, and a careful record is kept of the consumption in accordance with the mileage run by the various vehicles. These records are subject to constant inspection in the commands. Officers possessing motor cars of their own are not given free petrol.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs he aware that in some cases officers are given free petrol?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; I have just said officers possessing motor cars of their own are not given free petrol.
§ Mr. KINGIs similar care taken with the great waste of petrol that is going on at aerodromes, which is very great?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will communicate with the proper authorities.
§ Sir E. CARSONI hope the hon. Gentleman will not stop practising economy.
§ 62. Major NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the card system for the supply of petrol comes into operation within the next fortnight and the apprehension that the introduction of the card system for the supply of a necessary commodity has created, he will inform the House of the general outlines of the scheme which it is proposed to adopt?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is intended to issue to owners of cars licences entitling them to obtain such supplies of petrol as may be specified in the licence. The general outlines of the scheme are contained in Clause 15 of the Finance Bill. A census of cars has recently been taken by the Petrol Control Committee under a Defence of the Realm Regulation, and the Committee will communicate with the various owners with regard to the issue of a licence on payment of the Motor Spirit Licence Duty.
§ Major NEWMANAm I to take it that until 1st August the owner of a private car will not know what quantity of petrol he will get; that no notice will be given?
§ Mr. HARCOURTNo. Until he gets his licence, he will not know. The licences will be issued as early as possible.
§ Mr. LOUGHIs it necessary to send in an application to the Board of Trade? Will any communication be made to the owners of these cars?
§ Mr. HARCOURTThe owner of a car will be required to make a return of the quantity of petrol he has been using and wishes to use in the ensuing six months and upon that he will receive a notification in the form of a licence from the Board of Trade that he can be given so much petrol a month for the next few months on the payment of the duties.
§ Mr. RENDALLWill there be any appeal from the decision as to the amount 1006 of petrol any particular person will be allowed have, and, if so, what kind of appeal can be made?
§ Mr. HARCOURTNo, I sincerely hope there will be no appeals.