§ 24. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Transport what instructions have been given to the officers responsible for allocating fuel for essential contract public service vehicle work to ensure that the fuel is not wasted by unnecessary empty running.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)Before allocating fuel for essential contract work the regional transport commissioners examine the proposals closely to ensure that there is no unnecessary or excessive light running.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that petrol has been granted for contracts in the Worcester area which involve 40 miles of empty running per vehicle each day?
§ Mr. BarnesNo; I am not aware of that, but of course if the hon. Member will give me details I will look into them. I observe, however, that he used the term "contracts" in his supplementary question whereas in his original Question he used the term "essential contract work." There is a difference.