§ 6. Mr. Manningham-Bullerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now prepared to authorise the issue of supplementary petrol coupons to officers of the Colonial Service on leave in this country.
§ Mr. ShinwellA limited allowance of petrol, supplementary to the basic ration, for use without restriction of purpose, is granted to members of His Majesty's Forces and the Merchant Navy, whilst on leave in this country from service abroad or afloat, and I regret that I cannot see my way to extend this concession.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerWill the right hon. Gentleman consider again extending the concession to Colonial servants, who have been absent from this country very often for long periods, when they come home for a short period of leave?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat is precisely what we have done. As I stated in my answer, a limited allowance of petrol is provided supplementary to the basic ration.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerBut not to Colonial servants.
§ Mr. GlossopDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that during the war period many of these Colonial officials have had to spend their leave in the area in which they were serving, and that it is now many years since they have been in this country? Cannot he make a special allowance to them in order that they may go to see their relatives and friends?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf there are such cases and application is made to my Department, they will receive very favourable consideration, but if I am asked on general grounds to extend concessions, I am afraid I cannot do so.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, on 22nd July of this year, the Colonial Office wrote to say that Colonial officials on leave in this country are not eligible for the grant of extra petrol?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not aware of that. Perhaps the hon. and learned Gentleman will let me have that information.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the war, when people came home from service overseas, they were allowed petrol sufficient for 200 miles? Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that Colonial servants will get at least that much?
§ Mr. ShinwellIn view of what hon. Members have been asking and indicating, I think I ought to look at this again.