§ 12. Major Digbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why insurance agents, who are dependent on their cars for their livelihood, receive only S coupons and are therefore not allowed to buy new tyres when their own have worn out and when no retreaded or part-worn tyres are available for many months.
§ Mr. ShinwellThere is a very large number of "S" coupon holders. Their category is fixed after careful consideration of the type of business on which they are engaged, and I could not justify a procedure for changing from "S" to "E" category coupons because of difficulties in obtaining tyres. I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, that although the production of both new and retreaded car tyres is improving, there is a general shortage and delay may occur in meeting replacement demands. No serious delay should, however, occur in cases where the motorist is able to arrange for the retreading of his existing tyres.