HC Deb 23 September 1948 vol 456 cc1061-2
15. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the petrol consumption in the months of July and August; and how far the measures designed to stop the illegal use of petrol have fulfilled expectations.

19. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement regarding the standard petrol ration, and to what extent he is satisfied with the present system of petrol rationing.

21. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what the amount of the standard petrol ration is to be after the current rationing period ends in November.

Mr. Gaitskell

Deliveries of motor spirit into consumption in July and August averaged 92,000 tons and 87,000 tons a week respectively. I am satisfied that the measures taken to stop the black market in petrol are effective, but I cannot yet give any reliable estimate of the amount saved, because of the variations in consumption from month to month, which arise partly from the flexibility allowed to motorists in using the standard ration. I hope to be able to make a statement about the future of the standard ration in about a month.

Mr. Collins

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in the months which he has given, which are likely to be the heavy consumption months of standard petrol, the figures of consumption so far are below those anticipated?

Mr. Gaitskell

I would prefer not to go into details at this stage, but I will say that I am satisfied that the abolition of the black market has certainly provided sufficient petrol to supply the standard ration.

Sir I. Fraser

In regard to Question No. 21, can the Minister consider, when he is determining the winter ration, making a larger standard ration to owners of cars who live in rural areas?

Mr. Gaitskell

I would propose, before coming to any conclusion, to consult the Advisory Committee which I have set up.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the rearmament programme, can the Minister tell us whether, during the next year, there will be any petrol for the civilian population?

Mr. Gaitskell

The needs of defence will have to be considered in connection with this matter.

Captain Crowder

Can the Minister say definitely whether he will be able to give some basic petrol after November?

Mr. Gaitskell

I should prefer not to make any statement on the matter at the moment.