HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 cc830-1
8. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps were taken this year by the regional petroleum officer to ascertain that Hallin, in the Isle of Skye, was adequately served with car-hire facilities; and whether he or a deputy visited the district to ascertain the conditions at first hand.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In view of the need for economy in administration, my officers have had instructions not to make long journeys, or to be away from their regional headquarters, unless there is some useful purpose to be served. The evidence already available shows that there is no need for more hire cars at the village of Hallin, which already has three such cars, and a fourth car not far away.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Does the Minister realise, in the first place, how important transport is to these remote regions? In the second place, does he not think it is most important to ascertain at first hand the conditions actually obtaining in these districts? Further, is he aware that in the Hallin peninsula there are three cars which are all very busy?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I do realise the importance of transport. Therefore, I went into this matter very carefully and I discovered that not one of these four cars—the fourth is only two and a half miles from Hallin—is at present taking the maximum allowance for car-hire work, and none has asked for an increase. It is plain that with the existing cars adequate service is being given and more could be done without adding a fifth car.

9. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give the names and addresses of the 17 applicants on the regional petroleum officer's waiting list who have a prior claim to establishing a car-hire service before Mr. Bain, of Hallin, Isle of Skye.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Applications for petrol allowances are regarded as confidential, and I regret, therefore, I cannot give the information asked for by the noble Lord.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Does the Minister realise that in the Hallin peninsula it is 20 miles from the nearest town of any size, and that to refuse a petrol application there is equivalent to refusing an application to someone in Windsor because there are taxis in London?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I think that the answer which I gave to the previous Question shows that there is not a need for further car-hire services in that area.