§ 25. Mr. Leachasked the Secretary for Petroleum, whether his attention has been drawn to the increased danger to our petrol supplies, and whether he is now prepared to place some restrictions on pleasure motoring and the use of motor cars for shopping, domestic and other non-essential purposes which cause much public irritation?
§ The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)The hon. Member will no doubt have seen the recent announcement that reductions are to be made in the supplementary allowances for the next rationing period, June and July.
§ Mr. LeachSurely that does not cover the point raised in my Question. This is a very grave matter. Does my hon. Friend realise that with every gallon of petrol used in this country there is mixed the blood of seamen?
§ Mr. LyonsArising out of the original answer, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the large number of cars parked outside a football match a week ago, or to the large number of cars continually going to races, indicating that a vast amount of petrol is still available for private use, and instead of ordering some small reduction of supplementary rations, will he take the bold step of putting an end to what many regard as a grave public scandal?