27 Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now dispense with the agricultural application form R. (M.S.) 6, for petrol for tractors and substitute a simple card to be signed certifying that the vehicles and requirements remain the same as for the previous month, in view of the waste of time, paper and money under the present method or, in view of the increased supplies now available, if he will consider dispensing altogether with the form.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)As regards the first part of the Question, the substitution of the card suggested by the hon. Member, would not be practicable and would not result in any economy for the reasons given in my reply to his Question on 14th May. With regard to the second part of the Question, adequate supplies of petrol have always been available for agricultural tractors, but while petrol rationing continues I am unable to dispense with a form of application for such supplies.
Mr. De la BèreBut does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that if the will on the part of the Government were there to simplify and to lighten the burdens of the farmers, it would be possible? Further is he not aware that that is precisely what the farmers complain about, that so much of their time is taken up in unnecessary and lengthy form filling?
§ Mr. ShinwellI do not think it can be said that the Ministry of Fuel and Power adds to their burdens.
§ Mr. BoothbyMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the simple answer to this problem is not to remove the rationing of petrol, and when does he think that will happen?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Member is experienced enough to know that that Question ought to be put on the Paper.
Mr. De la B£reIn view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.