HC Deb 09 June 1943 vol 390 c711
40. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the present system by which. the petrol officer at industrial establishments is an employee of the firm is open to serious objections; and will he arrange for these officers to be appointed by, and be responsible to, his Department?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

The answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative.

Mr. Lipson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is very embarrassing for an employee to be asked by his employer whether he will allow him petrol or not, and in order that the public may be satisfied that the allocation of petrol is fair, will he give further consideration to the suggestion made in the Question?

Mr. Lloyd

These men are private employees, and all they do is to prepare the applications. It is then for the administrative officers of the Department to consider whether or not they should grant them.