§ 18. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Minister of Information with reference to a recent conference at Cambridge addressed by his Parliamentary Secretary, what extra petrol facilities were offered to those entitled to attend; and the total number of units issued for this occasion?
Mr. CooperPetrol coupons were offered to members of local information committees who were unable, in a district in which cross-country train facilities are notoriously difficult, to make the journey by other means. Steps were taken to see that cars should be fully occupied. The total number of units issued was 196.
§ Sir I. AlberyWill the Minister see that petrol is always allocated effectively and that there is no waste?
Mr. CooperIt is not my duty to see that: there is no waste of petrol, but I am sure the petrol used on this occasion was, in the opinion of those who took advantage of it, well worth while.
§ Sir I. AlberyCan the Minister say what steps are taken to ensure that coupons are not used for single individuals?
Mr. CooperI can give an example of one particular individual who refused to collaborate with the others, and accept the company of three other people in his car. He was refused petrol.