§ 22. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will make an increase in the supplementary allowance of the petrol ration for business and professional purposes in the near future; and whether he will announce the date as early as possible to enable those concerned to arrange their affairs accordingly.
§ Mr. ShinwellI should like to increase the supplementary allowances for business and professional purposes, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to do so. I will keep in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion that when a change is possible suitable notice should be given.
§ Mr. FreemanCan the Minister give any indication whether it will be possible this summer to do anything of the kind?
§ Mr. ShinwellAll sorts of things are possible this summer.
§ 25. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he can yet give the date on which he intends to end petrol rationing.
29. Mr. Kinģasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he now has any statement to make on petrol rationing.
§ Mr. ShinwellI cannot yet say when it will be possible to abolish petrol rationing.
§ Mr. David EcclesWould the Minister say whether it is shortage of shipping or shortage of foreign exchange that is the major factor?
§ Mr. ShinwellThere are a variety of causes. There is an inadequacy of tanker supplies and there is the demand made on our sterling resources in all parts of the world, but we hope to overcome most of these obstacles before long.
§ Mr. BossomCan the Minister give the House any information as to whether there is enough petrol in this country at the present time to take advantage of this situation?
§ Mr. ShinwellStocks of petrol are fairly good at present, but we cannot take any risks.