§ 66. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Petrol Committee is reducing the supply of petrol to the farmers, in some instances to one-third of their previous supply; is he aware that the action of the Committee will prevent the proper management of the farms and interfere with food production; and will he arrange for the farmers to have a larger supply of petrol?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Petrol Control Committee are not reducing the supply of petrol to farmers for use in motor ploughs, motor tractors, and agricultural machinery generally. Private motor cars owned by farmers would not, however, be allotted more than the ordinary restricted allowance unless they were actually being used for agricultural purposes for which an increased quantity of petrol was necessary.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWill the hon. Gentleman cause inquiry to be made by the Petrol Committee where motor bicycles and motor cars are being used in the management of large farms for agricultural purposes, and not for pleasure?
Mr. ROBERTSIn cases where we experience any doubt in the matter we refer to the Board of Agriculture and the County War Agricultural Committees.