§ 31. Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Messrs. De Loughry and Sons, motor and general engineers, Kilkenny, have been so reduced in petrol supply as to reduce their trade as motor agents and also as retailers of motor spirit; by whose authority and for what reason the local police have notified the oil company's agent not to supply Messrs. De Loughry with more than about half the quantity necessary for their business while giving other Kilkenny firms their full supply; and will he see that Messrs. De Loughry are allowed to have the full supply necessary for their business?
§ Mr. DUKEI am informed that, acting under general directions given them by the military authorities, the police have granted Mr. De Loughry a permit for the supply of petrol which they believe to be sufficient for his business purposes.
§ Mr. O'BRIENWhen were the police appointed to decide for themselves what suited a man's particular business, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have in my hand a notice served by the police warning them not to go beyond the quantity prescribed, and, as they think they require more in their business, will he see that they get it notwithstanding the police order?
§ Mr. DUKEI will certainly look into the facts of the case. The hon. Member will recognise in this matter of the distribution of petrol that everybody in this country as well as Ireland is very greatly inconvenienced.
§ Mr. J. REDMONDAre not all questions about the distribution of petrol both in this country and Ireland decided by the 962 Petrol Committee? Surely it is not the function of the police to decide how much petrol any particular trader is to get, seeing that the licences are granted by the Petrol Committee. Have the police any right to interfere with the amount granted by the Petrol Committee?
§ Mr. DUKEI am not sure as to the mode in which these things are regulated. I will look into the matter, and, if there has been any irregularity it will be put right.