§ 2. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is the intention of the Government to allow public-service vehicles to have as much fuel as is required to operate adequate services before any basic ration of petrol for private motor-cars is restored.
§ 3. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is able to hold out any prospect of the restoration in the near future of basic petrol rations to residents in rural areas.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given last Tuesday to similar Questions.
§ Mr. LawsonI do not think that reply covers this point exactly, but will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that, if he has to allow fuel for private motor cars, he will give priority to public' service vehicles?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is pretty obvious in view of the difficulties in certain rural districts, and indeed in urban districts, that very high priority will have to be given to public service vehicles.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs it not a fact that in rural districts public service vehicles are inadequate, and all the more so because of the influx of evacuees on account of flying bombs in urban areas; and further, is 'the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the position is very difficult in rural areas where tradesmen do not deliver, and where people are many miles from the towns and shops?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am very well aware of what my hon. and gallant Friend has just pointed out, and because of that we have, within the limits of the supply position, been as generous as we possibly 723 can in rural areas. Whenever relaxation is possible, there again very high priority will be given.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is another question altogether.