§ 3 Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in substitution for licensing and insuring a motor car as a condition precedent to an application for a petrol allowance being con- 1458 sidered, he will direct petrol officers to consider applications and give provisional decisions if the amount of the Licence Duty is deposited?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have considered this suggestion carefully. The main purpose of petrol rationing is, however, to save petrol and, whilst I recognise that the present system causes some difficulty and inconvenience to a small number of genuine applicants, my hon. Friend's suggestion would entail an unjustifiable amount of additional work and staff time in my regional offices, and I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt it. At the same time I am instructing my Regional Petroleum Officers to give all the help they can within the limits of the present system.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman now correct the inconsistent replies given by himself and the Under-Secretary on 4th May and 22nd April, respectively?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not recognise anything inconsistent, and I do not recognise any cause for a withdrawal.
§ Sir J. MellorI beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.