§ 98. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet able to make any statement as to the views of the Petrol Committee appointed by him to consider the shortage of spirit; and whether such Committee has made any representation to the Admiralty in favour of releasing some tank steamers to facilitate the importation of additional supplies?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)The Board of Trade have received a preliminary report from the Committee. This report contains a recommendation with regard to the release of certain tank steamers and the Board are in communication with the Admiralty on the subject.
104. Mr. C. WASONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Asiatic Petroleum Company have written to persons to whom petrol is of absolute necessity if they are to carry on their business that, owing to their company being called on by the Government for extra supplies, they are unable to supply petrol as usual; and if, in view of the above fact, he will consider the advisability of strictly limiting the supply of petrol used just for pleasure, luxury, motoring to race meetings, Brighton, and elsewhere?
§ 117. Mr. PRATTasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the continued extensive use of motor cars for purposes of pleasure, particularly on Sundays, and also in connection with race meetings; and what action he proposes to take to assist the owners and users of such 2715 motor cars to respond to the appeal, by poster and otherwise, of the War Savings Committee to restrict this consumption of petrol?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI am aware that difficulties are being experienced in obtaining necessary supplies of petrol. The Committee appointed by the Board of Trade to control the supply and distribution of petrol have already made a preliminary report indicating directions in which the use of petrol for pleasure purposes might be restricted. I hope their detailed recommendations will shortly be available and action will then immediately be taken.