§ 1. Mr. Grimstonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, having regard to the fact that in assessing the proportion of petrol requirements available from sterling sources the British Empire is treated as a whole, he will say how the level, of petrol rationing in the United Kingdom compares to that obtaining in other parts of the Empire.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)In those parts of the Empire where petrol rationing is still in force, the rationing schemes provide for, approximately, the same level of consumption as in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. GrimstonCan the Minister say in which parts of the Commonwealth there is no petrol rationing at the present moment?
§ Mr. ShinwellIn Canada and the Union of South Africa.
§ 28. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the ratio between the quantity of petrol imported into this country during the month of December, 1946, and the quantity of petrol consumed during the same period.
§ Mr. ShinwellNovember is the latest month for which statistics are available of the consumption of petrol in the United Kingdom. In that month the imports of petrol represented 70 per cent. of consumption.
§ Sir T. MooreIn view of that figure and the reserves of petrol which the right hon. Gentleman knows we now have in the country, surely the right hon. Gentleman can at last bow to the general public demand to take off the ration?
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen I am satisfied that we can be assured of consistent imports I will be prepared to consider the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.