HC Deb 14 October 1941 vol 374 c1246
62. Lieutenant Butcher

asked the Secretary for Petroleum, whether, he will give an assurance that before the reduction in the basic ration of petrol for goods vehicles comes into force, steps will have been taken to prevent the use of petrol by private motor-cars in connection with such events as dog and horse-racing?

The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

The use of supplementary allowances for the purposes mentioned is illegal, and steps have already been taken in the direction urged by my hon. Friend by the recent reduction in the basic ration.

Lieutenant Butcher

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask, if petrol can be used in this way, why it is necessary for constituents to have to invoke the aid of their Member of Parliament to obtain additional supplementary rations for the delivery of food in agricultural districts?

Sir Waldron Smithers

Will the Minister take effective steps to see that petrol used for joy-riding shall be stopped?

Lieutenant Butcher

May I have an answer to my Question?

Mr. Lloyd

It should be put to the appropriate Minister.

Sir A. Knox

Is it not possible to allow people to use the small basic ration for their own amusement?