38. Captain Ganunansasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is prepared to increase the petrol allowance to London taxi-cabs in order to reduce the delay and congestion at the London railway termini.
39. Mr. Hiģģsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider granting a small allowance of petrol for the purpose of lawn-mowing during the coming season.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)While I am anxious to permit relaxations, such as those suggested by my lion Friend, in the petrol rationing scheme as soon as possible, I regret that at present the supply position does not justify such action. My hon. Friend will appreciate that other concessions may in any event require to be given precedence over such proposals for relaxation, even though the amount of petrol involved is small.
Captain GammonsDoes not the Minister realise that baldly anybody travels to-day for pleasure; and does he not think that some alleviation could be made in the case of taxi-cabs which serve the main line stations at night?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I have informed the House before, I am most anxious, at the earliest possible moment; to permit some relaxation, but the supply position at the moment definitely does not allow that.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the Minister's reply to this minor request governed to some extent by the fact that the United States will not give the British Government permission to use petrol for this purpose?
§ Mr. BowlesIs the Minister aware that there are certain devices in this country that consume 60,000 gallons of petrol an hour?
§ Mr. Edģar GranvilleWill the Minister give an assurance that any increase of petrol to taxi-cabs will make more taxicabs available at the London stations and not at race meetings and football matches?
§ Mr. TurtonWill any relaxation in favour of taxi-cabs be confined to the London district, as there are various other areas affected?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAny relaxation would not be confined to one area, and, when the time comes when relaxation can be made, it will, obviously, be made in such a way as to benefit the country as a whole.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the confusion caused by bracketing taxi-cabs and motor cars together?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs not the taxi-cab the poor man's car?