§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of our petrol imports during 1948 came from the dollar area; and what was the cost in sterling.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn 1948, United Kingdom imports of motor spirit (including aviation spirit) from dollar sources amounted to 43 per cent. by value of the total from all sources. The cost, in terms of sterling, was approximately £16 million f.o.b.
§ Sir T. MooreIn view of the fact that £18 million was spent on dollars for tobacco, which is a luxury, surely it is most unfair that the motorist in this country, whether he motors for pleasure or for industrial purposes, should be treated so improperly?
§ Mr. GaitskellBroadly speaking, petrol for essential purposes is provided.