HC Deb 08 July 1948 vol 453 cc579-80
55. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will reconsider the allocation of petrol for commercial travellers in view of his decision to allow the standard petrol ration to civil servants whose cars are used for their Department's duties.

Mr. Robens

No, Sir; the arrangements for the issue of bulk allowances do not provide for civil servants to be treated more favourably than other users who draw petrol from a bulk supply administered by their employers. As I advised my hon. Friend the Member for Spen Valley (Mr. Sharp) on 1st July, it is left to the employer to make such arrangements as he can with the individual motorists about the use of their standard ration.

Mr. Lindsay

Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that commercial travellers are in a unique position in that many of them, with larger areas, find it quite impossible to earn their living with the ration as it is at the present time? Anything he can do to ease the position will be appreciated.

Mr. Robens

Yes, Sir, I am in touch with the association concerned and will examine any suggestion they offer to me.

Mr. Jennings

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary realise it is a grossly unfair thing to impose on one section of motorists and not on another?

Mr. Robens

There is no differentiation in treatment whatever.