HC Deb 21 November 1946 vol 430 cc994-5
5. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why, in view of the fact that before the war one month's supply in Britain was considered adequate and that today there is four months' supply, he still maintains petrol rationing.

8. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the reason for the continuance of the rationing of petrol; and, in view of the fact that rationing has been removed in most countries throughout the world, when he hopes to remove this control.

11. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for the continuance of petrol rationing.

13. Mr. John Lewis

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for the retention of petrol rationing.

16. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for the rationing of fuel for motor cars being continued.

20. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact that there is now more petrol in this country than at any previous time, and in view of war demands having ceased, he will now discontinue the rationing system.

Mr. Shinwell

As I have stated on previous occasions, the Government are not prepared to reveal the level of petroleum stocks held in this country. But in any event, as I have frequently explained to the House, it is the fact that a substantial part of the imports necessary to meet current consumption requires to be shipped from dollar sources, which makes it impossible under present circumstances to announce any further relaxations in petrol rationing.

Sir W. Smithers

Is not the real reason for the continuation of petrol rationing to create difficulties and hamper the motor industry so as to fabricate arguments for its nationalisation?

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. Member has a colourful imagination, but there is no substance in what he says.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is the Minister aware that the amount of petrol being consumed on the roads today does not coincide with the coupons which are issued? Is he aware that there is a good deal of black marketing taking place in regard to petrol, and that if he removes the control on petrol, it will at least give the people some belief that the Government intend to remove controls as soon as practicable?

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. Member has any information on the alleged disparity between actual consumption and the coupons issued, I shall be very glad to have it.

Mr. Bossom

The Minister has stated on many occasions that he has "reasons." Will he give us more than the one reason why he has to continue rationing?

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. Member does not listen to my answers, because I gave one reason.

Mr. Bossom

I stated "reasons" in the plural.

Sir W. Wakefield

Why are arrangements not made to ship petrol from sterling areas, because there are ample supplies in these areas and dollar expenditure would not be involved?

Mr. Shinwell

Sixty per cent. of the petrol used in this country comes from these sources.

Sir T. Moore

Is the Minister aware that there is a Motion on the Order Paper today, signed by 150 Members, representing something like nine million voters in this country, who want this restriction removed? In view of the statement he has made that 60 per cent. of the petrol imported into this country comes from nondollar sources, is it not now possible for him to remove this control?

Mr. Shinwell

I always have respect for Motions which appear on the Order Paper, but that is not a matter under my control.