HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 cc828-9
34. Major Lyons

asked the Secretary for Petroleum what steps he has taken to check and control the utilisation of petrol for undisclosed or unnecessary journeys through the system of drive-yourself hiring of motor-cars with petrol supplied?

The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

Following consultation with the Government Departments concerned, as well as with the associations representative of the trade, I have had a suitable Order prepared which I expect to issue shortly.

Major Lyons

Arising out of the fact that these consultations are taking place, and that this abuse has gone on for a long time, is it not the case that now, in the third year of the war, nothing has been done but that an Order is under consideration?

Mr. Lloyd

I gave a promise to deal with this matter, and these consultations have been going forward, but in this matter, as I have explained before, speed in the remedying of small abuses is less important than care to see that important public facilities are not impaired.

Major Lyons

Does my hon. Friend realise that this abuse is widespread throughout the country? Why cannot something be done immediately without further consideration being given to the matter?