HC Deb 10 December 1956 vol 562 cc27-8
36. Dr. Bennett

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what measures he is adopting to ensure that during the petrol shortage petrol companies are prevented from filling up the tanks of service stations that they own themselves, while leaving privately-owned garages in the neighbourhood short of petrol; and whether he will investigate cases of this kind brought to his notice.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

My instructions to the oil companies requiring them to restrict deliveries to garages affect company-owned garages and independent ones in exactly the same way.

Dr. Bennett

Does my right hon. Friend know that there have been complaints—I certainly have received three from widely separated parts of the country—that this practice is going on? Is he aware that this fits in with what is feared to be the line of policy which is being followed in petrol distribution, and will he look into these cases if I refer them to him?

Mr. Jones

If in these cases the private garage owners, after having explained their troubles to the oil companies, still believe that they have a grievance, I shall be very happy to look into the matter.