§ 43. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what additional dollar expenditure, or loss of dollar earnings, is involved in the abolition of petrol rationing in Malaya.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. James Griffiths)It is the opinion of the Malayan Governments that the 1955 ending of petrol rationing in Malaya will not lead to any appreciable increase in the petrol requirements of the territories; firstly, because supplies to essential users under the rationing system were adequate, and secondly, because under present conditions opportunities for pleasure motoring especially in the Federation are extremely limited. The Government of the two territories have stated that if, contrary to expectation, there should prove to be any considerable increase in petrol consumption following derationing, consideration would have to be given to reintroducing restrictions on the sale of petrol.
§ Mr. GammansIs the right hon. Gentleman suggesting that there will be no increase in the use of petrol as a result of the abolition of rationing, and will he explain why one part of the sterling area can apparently abolish rationing without detriment while we in this country cannot?
§ Mr. GriffithsI did not say that there will be no increase. If there were a considerable increase the situation would have to be reconsidered.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is plenty of petrol in Burma, next door?