59. Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the hardships caused in rural areas by the refusal of all petrol allowances to take children to school, or to the nearest omnibus stop, if the distance is under three miles; and whether he will consider reducing this minimum distance to one mile?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)There is no fixed minimum distance limiting the discretion of Regional petroleum officers in this matter, and, as at present advised, I do not propose to introduce one.
Mr. AstorIs the Minister aware that under the present practice many children of five years of age have to walk three miles to school and reach the school in a condition much too tired to learn anything? Will he draw up instructions to his officers to adopt a more sympathetic line?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMy officers have full discretion in this matter. If the hon. Member will let me have some particulars, I shall be glad to look into them.
§ Sir Frank SandersonIs it not a fact that where necessity can be shown a petrol allowance is made?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir, there are several instances.