§ 77. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what his reasons are for refusing to disclose the amount of stocks of petrol in this country.
§ Mr. ShinwellI would refer the hon. Member to the last part of the reply I gave on 18th December, 1945, to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers).
§ Mr. SpenceMay I ask the Minister whether the real reason for refusing to disclose the stocks in this country is that their publication would show that petrol rationing is no longer justified?
§ Mr, ShinwellNo, Sir. The hon. Member can understand that there is a considerable military element in the use of petroleum products, and when we review the position we have to take into account that factor.