§ 24. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will replace petrol cans which were withdrawn from garages at the beginning of the war and which are now needed for civilian purposes.
§ Mr. ShinwellA considerable quantity of cans is available throughout the country including a substantial number in the hands of private consumers. I have hitherto received no complaints suggesting that the number is insufficient to meet the present requirements of the public. If it is established that the number in circulation is inadequate, I should be prepared to review the position.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the Minister aware that when one runs out of petrol, as one does very often owing to the meagre allowance allowed by the right hon. Gentleman, it is very difficult to borrow a can from a garage?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat may well be. We have got to make the best of what we have.