HC Deb 24 July 1916 vol 84 cc1304-5
24. Mr. VINCENT KENNEDY

asked the First Commissioner of Works what steps have been taken by the Petrol Committee to secure fair treatment in the supply of petrol as between owners who made honest returns as to the amount of spirit they used and would require and those owners who for reasons of their own made returns of an exaggerated nature?

Mr. HARCOURT

It is not easy to distinguish between honest returns and exaggerated ones, but any obvious cases of over-estimation of requirements have been subject to special reduction. A maximum monthly allowance has been fixed for all private cars, and the allocation of supplies below the maximum has been so arranged that moderate demands are restricted to a less extent proportionately than large ones.

Mr. HOUSTON

When will these notices be sent out?

Mr. HARCOURT

They are being sent out already. I do not know whether the hon. Member refers to owners of private cars. Obviously they will come last. Commercial cars and taxis must come first.

Mr. LOUGH

When is the issue to be made to owners of private cars?

Mr. HARCOURT

I hope in time for August, but it is possible some of them may be late.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Under what head will commercial cars come?

Mr. SPEAKER

We are getting a long way from the question on the Paper.