HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1123-4
35. Mr. Oswald Lewis

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why his Department has made a bargain with certain interests in the motor-car hire trade that no petrol allowance at the special rates authorised for hiring shall be made to any applicants who were not engaged in this sort of business immediately before the outbreak of war; and why he will not waive this restriction in the case of disabled ex-Servicemen who can satisfy the licensing authorities that they are qualified to follow this occupation.

Major Lloyd George

In order to conserve petrol, there is an administrative rule, not a bargain with interests in the hire-car trade, that the special petrol allowance for a hire car shall be granted only for a car which was bona-fide engaged in hire service before the war, or for a car replacing it. The rule applies both to existing proprietors who wish to add to their hire cars and to would-be entrants to the trade: but an exception is made where there is adequate evidence of public need. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on 25th January.

Mr. Lewis

Arising out of the Minister's statement, if I show the Minister a statement, signed by an eminent official of his Department, showing that there was a bargain and that many hard cases have arisen under it, will he seriously look into the matter?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot say anything about that document, but I can say that the purpose of this rule is as stated in the answer to the Question, and there is no other purpose in it.

Mr. Lewis

I asked the Minister whether, if I showed him a statement signed by one of his own officials, showing that there was a bargain, he would look into the matter?

Major Lloyd George

I will certainly look into it, but I can assure the hon. Member that there was no bargain. It is a rule. I have looked into the matter very carefully.

Mr. Mathers

Is the Minister aware that the plentiful supply of petrol to taxis is resented by some car hirers, because it is recognised, and can be proved, that there is much more joy-riding in taxis than in private-hire cars?