§ 12. Sir C. JOHNSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has discovered the source of supply of petrol to a number of cars on pleasure excursions still to be seen upon the roads; and whether steps will be taken to stop this supply?
Mr. ROBERTSI am afraid that it is the case that a certain number of persons still use motor cars for purposes which are no: altogether essential, the petrol for the purpose often being obtained from savings on the restricted amounts which were authorised by the petrol licences.
§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARMay I ask whether any attempt is made to check the purposes for which cars are used by stopping cars on the road and ascertaining the purposes for which they are used?
Mr. ROBERTSThe function of my Department lies in restricting the use of petrol by licences, and very severe restrictions have been imposed since 1st May. We believe that these cases arise out of savings effected in supplies received prior to that date.
§ Mr. MILLARIs it not necessary to ascertain how the cars are being used in order to see that the conditions are being fulfilled?
§ Mr. KINGIs it not a fact that the restrictions are making it less and less possible to have anything but business journeys, and that the question will cure itself?
Mr. ROBERTSThat is what I tried to convey in reply to the supplementary questions. As far as our evidence goes, what pleasure riding goes on now is attributable to savings in petrol supplies received prior to 1st May. I think my hon. Friend is quite correct and that the matter will now solve itself.