HC Deb 25 January 1940 vol 356 cc756-7
60. Sir W. Brass

asked the Home Secretary what percentage of volunteer cars used for air-raid precautions work, on part time and whole time, respectively, have not been re-registered in 1940 as a result of the higher horse-power tax and petrol rationing; and what instructions have been issued by his Department to deal with the falling-off in numbers of these volunteer cars?

Sir J. Anderson

Vehicles which are whole time at the disposal of local authorities for civil defence purposes are exempt from licence duty, and petrol from the bulk supplies of local authorities is available for them and also for vehicles employed part time. I cannot yet say to what extent cars used part time only have ceased to be available but local authorities are already authorised to purchase second-hand cars within limits and if need be these limits can be extended.

Sir W. Brass

Would my right hon. Friend answer the Question which I put to him. My Question, if he will read it, asks what is the percentage of volunteer cars which have not been re-registered?

Sir J. Anderson

If my hon. and gallant Friend reads my answer he will find that I have given him the reply for which he asked. It was that I cannot yet say to what extent cars used part time only have ceased to be available.

Sir W. Brass

Would my right hon. Friend make inquiries and find out how many of these cars which were voluntarily offered for A.R.P. work have not been re-registered in 1940; and if he finds that a large percentage of them are not re-registered, as I understand to be the case, will be consider increasing the petrol ration?

Sir J. Anderson

The position is constantly under review.