§ 35. Captain John Crowderasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has yet completed his consultations with the United Commercial Travellers' Association and the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, regarding the basis of the allocation of petrol to commercial travellers; and what decisions have been reached.
§ 43. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is able now to make a statement with regard to an increased allowance of petrol to commercial travellers.
§ Mr. GaitskellI received joint proposals from the Association of British Chambers of Commerce and the United Commercial Travellers' Association only last week. Preliminary examination suggests that the proposals are likely to be too costly both in petrol and in staff to be practicable. They will, however, be discussed with the two Associations in the near future, and as a result I hope that some satisfactory solution will be found.
§ Captain CrowderWill the Minister make an announcement as soon as he can about giving a small increase to these commercial travellers, because they are having very great difficulty in doing their business with the inadequate amount of petrol issued to them?
§ Mr. GaitskellI shall make an announcement on the subject as soon as I can.
§ Mr. LipsonIn considering this matter will my right hon. Friend take into account that there is an increased need, because of the change in trading conditions, for the services of commercial travellers, and that it is important that they should be allowed adequate petrol to enable them to do their jobs?
§ Mr. GaitskellI appreciate that point, which has been made by other hon. Members, but I have to have regard to the efficiency of the rationing system, and to the amount of petrol available.