§ 48. Mr. Lipsonasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the widespread surprise and regret caused by his recent refusal to receive a deputation of responsible motoring organisations to discuss the abolition of the basic ration; and if he will now reconsider his decision and express his willingness to meet the deputation.
§ The Prime MinisterThe decision to abolish the petrol ration was taken by the Government only after the most careful consideration and in view of the paramount necessity for saving dollars. I did not consider, therefore, that any useful purpose would have been served by my receiving a deputation from the motoring organisations. In so far as these organisations wish to discuss in detail the operation of the Government decision, it would be more appropriate for them to approach the Minister directly concerned and I understand, in fact, that my right hon. Friend, 506 the Minister of Fuel and Power, will receive a deputation from them tomorrow.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the Prime Minister aware that the lives of a great many people are affected by this decision and it did seem to some of us like lack of sympathy to refuse to receive a deputation? Are the Minister of Fuel and Power and the Cabinet prepared to reconsider the matter after further representations?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is exactly the danger of receiving a deputation. One may give them a false idea about changes that are to be taken. On the general question which the hon. Member put to me, I receive a great number of requests to receive deputations but my time is limited. I endeavour to see those where detailed questions are discussed, but general questions of Government policy are not suitable to be dealt with by a deputation to the Prime Minister.
§ Major Guy LloydWill the Prime Minister advise the people of Scotland, who are very indignant about this basic petrol ration, to avoid making representations to him but rather to go to the Secretary of State for Scotland to make their representations?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I think the correct thing would be to see the Minister of Fuel and Power.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that a statement has been made that the enormous sum of £30 million a year is spent on petrol for the Armed Forces and will he consider a further reduction?
§ The Prime MinisterThat matter was taken up some time ago and a very close inspection was made into the use of oil and petrol by the Armed Forces. Reductions have been effected.
§ Sir Patrick HannonIs the Prime Minister really aware of the intense resentment felt throughout the country at the action of His Majesty's Government, and, as he is now responsible for so much in the way of continuity of production and maintenance of output, could he not take into consideration the dislocation of industry which is bound to follow from the abolition of the petrol ration?
§ The Prime MinisterI have taken all these matters into full consideration.