HC Deb 17 February 1942 vol 377 cc1639-40
34. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary for Petroleum whether, in view of the changing conditions of the war, he will make regulations with regard to the issue of petrol coupons, designed to restrict the use of petrol only to purposes of national importance?

The Secretary for Petroleum (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

Existing regulations are sufficient; and I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the further cuts in the basic ration announced last week.

Sir W. Smithers

How does the hon. Gentleman justify the presence of from 800 to 1,000 cars at race meetings in the present very serious state of things, and in view of the necessity for saving shipping space?

Viscountess Astor

How does the hon. Gentleman justify some enormous Rolls Royce cars being used in London at the present time, and is not his own car a pretty good size, too?

Mr. Shinwell

How does the hon. Gentleman justify the use of petroleum, in existing circumstances, for purely pleasure purposes?

Mr. Lloyd

I have announced the Government's policy with regard to the basic ration, and I prefer the policy of a reduction where necessary in the light of events rather than a ruthless abolition of the basic ration at the present time.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the hon. Gentleman recognise the light of events now?

Sir H. Williams

How many Members of Parliament have arrived at places of amusement in the last month in taxi cabs?

Mr. De la Bère

The matter cannot be lightly dismissed; indeed, it cannot be dismissed at all.