§ 53. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the number of motor cars which were used in conveying passengers to the National race meeting, held at Gatwick on the 21st instant, which included a number of high-powered private ears, many of which were quite new, and to the consumption of petrol on that occasion, estimated at some 2,500 gallons; and whether he will take immediate steps to prohibit the use of motor cars for race meetings at the present time, when the needs of the country call for the most rigid economy in rubber, petrol, etc.?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect of the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. It is not proposed to prohibit the use of motor cars at the very limited number of race meetings which are now permitted under circumstances which I explained on Monday last to my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, South. I may, however, say that no new licences are now being issued by the Petrol Control Committee for the supply of petrol to private cars which are not used for purposes of national importance.
§ Mr. MILLARIs it to be understood that petrol can be used in unlimited quantities for the purpose of race meetings by those who at present possess sufficient supplies?
§ Sir C. HENRYWhy not abolish race meetings?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Baronet should give notice of that question.
§ Commander WEDGWOODis the hon. Gentleman aware that at the same time that petrol is being used in this way the London General Omnibus Company has had to take buses off the streets of London?
§ Mr. BILLINGIs attending race meetings work of national importance? May I press for an answer?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of this question. It is a debatable matter, on which everyone can form his own opinion.