§ 68. Major LANE-FOXasked the President of the Board of Trade why it is permitted to use petrol for conveying entertainers to military hospitals if they are giving the entertainment as professionals and for a fee, whereas it is not permitted to use it if no fee is paid and the performers are going as amateurs, even though a guarantee of bonâ fide is given by the committee responsible; and whether he is aware of the hardship involved to many hospitals by this rule in country districts where the patients have very little other chance of entertainment, especially in view of the very small quantity of petrol asked for?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe use of petrol is governed by the Motor Spirit (Consolidation) and Gas Restriction Order, 1918. The Petrol Controller has been advised that the Order permits the use of a motor car by a professional artiste for the purpose referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, in a case where the journey to an entertainment cannot otherwise be reasonably and conveniently accomplished, but that it does not permit a similar use by amateur performers. It is not considered desirable to alter the Order in this respect.
§ Major LANE-FOXIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Leeds Committee, who made this request, are prepared to be responsible for the bona fides of the entertainment, and are perfectly prepared to accept any reasonable limit of amount which may be laid down?
§ Mr. WARDLEIf the hon. Gentleman will send me the papers of the matter I will look into it again.
§ Major LANE-FOXI have been corresponding with the Petrol Committee for weeks, and can get no satisfaction.
§ Mr. WARDLEI have not had a copy of the correspondence. If the hon. Member will send it to me, I will look into the matter at once.