§ 4. Lord Willoughby de Eresbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much is the quarterly petrol allowance for a Ferguson tractor used on a farm.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe petrol allowances for tractors necessarily vary according to the work to be performed.
§ Lord Willoughby de EresbyMay I ask the Minister, if he cannot give a more precise reply, to make some statement of the Government's policy concerning these tractors; is he aware that they are all licensed now and many farmers are wondering how they are to carry on if they cannot get a further issue of petrol, as the present allowance is quite inadequate for their full use?
§ Mr. GaitskellIt is our policy to supply sufficient petrol for their use. If the hon. 1421 Gentleman knows of any instances of farmers not being able to get sufficient petrol, I hope that he will inform me.
§ 10. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when Messrs. A. C. King, Limited, of Devonshire Street, London, W.1, may expect a reply to their letters of 31st December, 5th March, 18th March and 13th April and their telegram of 7th April in respect of petrol application L/ 86752; and whether, in view of the fact that such failure on the part of the divisional petroleum offices to reply in a reasonable time can result in much hardship to applicants, he will take steps to ensure that more effective steps are taken by his officials to deal immediately with all claims and to provide adequate interim allowances pending a final decision.
§ Mr. GaitskellAn interim allowance was in fact issued last December but I regret that the question of a further allowance was overlooked. The further allowance has now been given.