HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 cc996-7
10 and 12. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) what substances are contained in pool petrol, and when its delivery is to cease;

(2) why the pool petrol now supplied has not the pulling power of the petrol obtainable before the war; and what efforts are being made to overcome this handicap.

Mr. Shinwell

I am sending the hon. Member details of the substances contained in the present pool petrol. It is superior to the average grades supplied prewar for commercial vehicles, but is, in certain respects, inferior to prewar No. 1 grades used for the majority of private cars. It must be remembered that the majority of engines are now in poorer mechanical condition than they were before the war, and would give a less satisfactory performance on 1939 fuels than they did at that time. The question of arranging for the provision of two grades of petrol, a commercial grade and a better grade for private motorists, is under consideration, but I cannot yet say when the supply of pool petrol will cease.

Mr. Bossom

The right hon. Gentleman has just said that cars are now in a poorer mechanical condition. Is he not aware that that is largely due to unsatisfactory petrol? Would he tell us what benefit this is to the general public?

Mr. Shinwell

As I said, the question of substituting two grades of petrol for one is under consideration.

Mr. Bossom

But could the right hon. Gentleman say what benefit there is to the taxpayers?

Mr. Shinwell

There are a great many motor cars and public service vehicles on the road and, so far as I know, no very severe handicap has been imposed on the road traveller.

The following Question stood on the Order Paper:

13. Mr. JOHN LEWIS,—To ask the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for the retention of petrol rationing.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Lewis

My Question was answered earlier, Sir, along with some others.

Mr. Speaker

I must apologise to the hon. Member for not calling him for a supplementary. I think it would be useful if I could be told when a large sequence of Questions were to be answered together, because it is a little difficult to catch all the numbers.

Mr. Shinwell

I am sorry, Sir, but I thought you had been informed. I apologise.