HC Deb 14 November 1918 vol 110 cc2863-4
35. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether the petrol licences to candidates for Parliament can be issued in respect of hired cars or only for privately owned ones?

Sir A. STANLEY

The Petrol Control Department will not require any information as to the ownership of the cars which will be used by candidates and their agents, and no distinction will, therefore, be made between hired and privately owned cars.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman now see his way to increase the allowance of petrol?

Sir A. STANLEY

Yes, Sir; it has been decided to make some increase in the allowance of petrol both for candidates and their agents. The allowance will be increased by 10 gallons in each instance. That will increase the amount from 20 to 30 gallons, according to the size of the constituency.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a larger increase for those who have very large county constituencies?

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman's reply to mean that voters may be brought to the poll in hired cars?

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many motor cars may be used at an election—one for the candidate, one for the agent, and one for anybody else?

Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving a larger supply of petrol to those members who represent very large constituencies?

Sir A. STANLEY

This question of the allowance of petrol for use during the General Election was very carefully considered by representatives of all Departments, and the matter was under discussion for several weeks. The decision was the result of a carefully prepared plan, I have gone into the matter since, and although I do not pretend to be a proper authority to determine what can be done, I feel that the decision come to by those competent to advise the Government was under the circumstances the best to be done.

Colonel LOWTHER

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

Further questions had better be put on the Paper.