§ 26. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that 1196 one consequence of the continuance of petrol rationing is that many people maintain more than one motor car in order to obtain more than one basic petrol ration, which increases the shortage and price of motor cars and tyres and other spare parts; and whether he will consider, as long as rationing continues, increasing the allowance to those who maintain one motor car for themselves or their family.
§ Mr. ShinwellIt would not be practicable to make special arrangements for owners of one car. A basic petrol ration is issued in respect of all motor cars currently licensed, on production of the registration book of the vehicle, but the name which appears in the registration book does not necessarily mean that the person named is the actual owner of the vehicle or that it will, in fact, be used by that person.
§ Mr. JannerWill my right hon. Friend consider this matter again, in view of the fact that it is common knowledge that people are purchasing more than one motor car in order to obtain the additional basic ration?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat may be, but there would be very great administrative difficulties involved in the change which the hon. Member suggests.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreAs the Minister has so frequently said that it is his earnest desire to remove petrol rationing, and as we all know that there is more petrol in the country today than ever in our history, will he not take his courage in both hands and make a clean sweep of this order forthwith?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am still as anxious as ever to abolish petrol rationing.