18. Mr. MichaelAstor asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why petrol coupons are once again being printed; and for which particular period.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerCoupons for petrol rationing have been printed as an insurance against any future emergency that 662 may arise. They do not, therefore, relate to any specific period.
§ Mr. AstorCan the Minister say, if these coupons were printed last May, why an official of his Ministry, when challenged then, said, "There is no question of petrol returning to the ration"? Can he say what is the likelihood, or the degree of probability, of petrol being rationed again this summer, and, if not, what has been the cost, the amount of paper used and the number of people employed in printing the coupons?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe hon. Gentleman can judge as well as I can the danger of the international situation, which might cause a return of petrol rationing. The quantity of paper used was very small, and this is obviously a reasonable precaution which the Government ought to take.