§ 8. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the presence of some 20,000 private cars at the motor races at München-Gladbach on 19th September; and what steps are being taken to check such misuse of petrol in the British zone of Germany.
§ Mr. MayhewThe motor race meeting in question was officially sponsored by the Minister President of North Rhine Westphalia to raise funds for devastated areas. Owing to an erroneous statement in the Press that the ban on the Sunday use of cars had been suspended for the occasion, some 10,000 to 12,000 cars attended the meeting. Some 4,500 motorists have been summoned by the German police. Both the Occupation Authorities and the German bizonal administration have for some time been concerned at misuse of petrol and legislation to tighten up the present regulations governing the use of transport is being prepared by the German Economic Council.
§ Mr. MacleanCould the Minister say where all this petrol comes from?
§ Mr. MayhewIt is part of the normal import allowed by J.E.I.A.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIs it not a fact that some of this petrol has actually been imported from this country?