HC Deb 07 April 1949 vol 463 cc2210-1
69. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has now come to any decision on the possibility of issuing petrol coupons, if necessary prepaid in dollars, for visitors to Britain who wish to use friends' cars.

75. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider removing the restriction on the allocation of petrol to overseas visitors who wish to purchase a secondhand car for use in this country, in view of the fact that dealers in secondhand cars are at present having to refuse large numbers of inquiries from such persons and are thus losing valuable dollars.

78. Mr. Linstead

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is yet in a position to state the conditions under which petrol may be allocated to overseas visitors for use in motor cars belonging to British persons.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Robens)

Overseas visitors who borrow or purchase a secondhand car in this country may use any standard ration available for the car, and may also obtain supplementary allowances for business purposes. My right hon. Friend is still considering whether, in addition, special allowances can be granted for overseas visitors using borrowed or secondhand cars for pleasure purposes.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

In view of the fact that we are now at the beginning of the tourist season, will the hon. Gentleman see if it is possible to speed up a decision?

Mr. Robens

We shall reach a decision as quickly as possible.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that visitors from America are completely misled in this matter by advertisements in periodicals in the United States?

Mr. Robens

I am not aware of that; I do not think it is true.