§ 13. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the dearth of petrol for necessary purposes, such as the requirements of the medical services in 1111 country districts where long distances have to be traversed; and whether he is prepared to consider regulations which would secure that the supply for such necessary purposes should not be interfered with by its use for purposes of luxury and amusement?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am aware of the position in regard to petrol in this country, and I appointed a Committee to consider what measures are necessary to secure adequate supplies of petrol for the purposes of the War and other essential needs, including medical services. This Committee are now inquiring into the whole subject.
Mr. CATHCART WASONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Regulation of the Board of Trade in reference to railway trains has largely accentuated the dearth of petrol throughout the country by leading to the increase of private motor cars?
Mr. RUNCIMANI have been making inquiries on that subject since it was first raised in the House and I cannot find that there has been any great increase in the use of private motor cars. As far as I can ascertain the number of private motor cars in use is lower than before.