HC Deb 01 July 1941 vol 372 cc1188-90
14. Captain Thurtle

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether his attention has been directed to the strong and still growing indignation of the people who see the lives of sailors of the Mercantile Marine being sacrificed in bringing petrol to this country at the evidence that it is being squandered in large quantities in pleasure riding by the motor-using section of the community; and will he take whatever measures may be necessary to end this evil forthwith?

The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I am glad of this opportunity of stating the policy of the Government on this matter. Of the two forms in which petrol is supplied to motor cars, namely, the basic ration and the supplementary ration, the latter has already been substantially reduced. The Government have now decided to reduce the basic ration also, by the equivalent approximately of one-sixth and this will become operative in the next ration period. I am in agreement with the hon. Member in holding that all petrol should be remarried as issued to meet real needs, whether national, business or domestic, and to be used with strict economy. The reductions I have indicated, combined with other measures I am taking to prevent the misuse of petrol will, I hope, substantially reduce the abuse of which the hon. Member complains.

Captain Thurtle

While thanking the Minister for the steps which he is proposing to take may I ask that he will lose no time in taking much more drastic steps, seeing that the present position is making a hollow mockery of official expressions of sympathy with the dangers and hardship encountered by our merchant seamen?

Mr. Lloyd

I am proposing to take strong measures against the misuse of the supplementary ration. I am doubling the inspectorate of my Department, and through the courtesy of the Home Office and the Commissioner of Police I am arranging to have the services of a superintendent of the Metropolitan Police as chief inspector, and he will establish close o-operation between Scotland Yard, my Department and chief constables throughout the country. Further, the latest issue or supplementary ration permits has been accompanied by notices warning those who receive them that they must keep a log of their journeys, and 1 am proposing shortly to issue an order making the keeping of a log compulsory upon motorists who receive supplementary rations.

Mr. Shinwell

In his definition of "real needs" in relation to the use of petrol, does the hon. Gentleman include the attendance of persons with their cars at race meetings, dog-race meetings and spectacular football matches?

Mr. Lloyd

That is another question, and I understand that the hon. Member has given notice that he intends to raise it in Debate.

Sir Hugh O'Neill

Can my hon. Friend say what has been the percentage reduction in the supplementary ration?

Mr. Lloyd

Between 10 and 20 per cent.

Sir H. Williams

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to the very much greater public indignation at the appalling waste of petrol by military authorities all over the country?

Mr. Lloyd

That is not strictly within my province, but I may say that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has taken very strong measures to deal with that aspect of the matter.

Captain Thurtle

Is the hon. Member proposing to take steps to stop the present method by which private persons can hire cars from firms for a week without a restriction on petrol?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir, we are introducing much stricter control.

Sir Cooper Rawson

Does the hon. Member not agree that the abuse is not of the supplementary ration but of the basic ration?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir, I would not say that. On that matter I should say that our twin policy should be relentless pursuit of the "wanglers" and stricter control of supplementary rations. But I would also say that in present circumstances a great public benefit is conferred by our being still in a position to allow a certain small amount of petrol and mileage to be within the free use of the individual according to his own conscience, because, after all, he knows much better than anybody else could tell him how best to use it.

Sir C. Rawson

Is it not true that there is behind this the ulterior motive of getting motor-car licence fees?

Mr. Leach

Will any opportunity be given to the House to consider the question of making still more drastic recommendations than those the Minister has now outlined?

Mr. Lloyd

That depends upon the attitude of the House. I have explained the policy of the Government in present circumstances, but that does not exclude the possibility that if circumstances change, more drastic measures will be brought in.