HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 cc529-31
30. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what annual saving in petrol the abolition of the basic petrol ration will effect, having regard to the number of exemptions it is proposed to make.

Mr. Gaitskell

About 800,000 tons a year.

31. Mr. Shephard

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will extend the time limit for using petrol saved from the ration from 30th November to 31st December.

Mr. Gaitskell

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Wing-Commander Hulbert) and the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. J. Morrison) on 6th November.

Mr. Shephard

Would it not be a great saving to the authorities who have to make these refunds if he carried out this suggestion? Besides, it would allow people to go away for Christmas.

Mr. Gaitskell

I am afraid I cannot give way on this. We must make a start at some time with this change.

Mr. Shephard

It would cost no more petrol.

39. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the amount of petrol required to meet the basic ration for privately-owned motor bicycles during the last 12 months, or latest convenient 12-monthly period.

Mr. Gaitskell

For the 12 months ended 31st August, 1947, the amount was about 120,000 tons.

69. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is now in a position to state that the discontinuance of the basic petrol ration will only be for a temporary period of three months, to the end of the year, and that a basic petrol ration will be available as from 1st January, 1948.

Mr. Gaitskell

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 6th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Chamberlain).

Mr. De la Bère

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply was not satisfactory? Is he further aware that the Government have never really justified the way they now threaten completely to abolish motoring, which is causing great hardship to the rural areas, and to many people who depend on motoring for their livelihood? Can I really have an answer to that question?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am sorry that I have failed to satisfy the hon. Member, but he is not a very easy person to satisfy. A large number of people may be dissatisfied, but I am certain that many others are perfectly satisfied that this action was necessary in the national interest to save dollars.

Mr. De la Bère

It is thoroughly unsatisfactory.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Will the Minister consider, between now and 30th January, consulting the various motor organisations to see whether they cannot produce a scheme for him which they can operate, which will enable the basic petrol ration to be restored, and which will result in a greater saving of dollars to the Government?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am always prepared to consider any scheme which will save more dollars.

Mr. Mikardo

Will my right hon. Friend see whether the almost psychopathic obsession of hon. Members opposite—

Hon. Members

You said that last week.

Mr. Speaker rose