HC Deb 13 November 1956 vol 560 cc729-30
16. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions he has sent to education authorities with regard to economising in petrol and oil; and if he will give details.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular which was issued to education authorities on this matter on 7th November. Its purpose is to suggest how a 10 per cent. overall reduction may be achieved with the minimum of disturbance to educational activities.

Mr. Ross

Does the Secretary of State not realise that the public of Scotland think it is disgraceful that the sins of the Cabinet should be visited on the children of Scotland by interfering with their school transport? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that we should like to know what the Cabinet are doing in saving fuel on their own transport?

Mr. Stuart

I could tell the hon. Gentleman what I am doing in that matter. I would point out to him that in respect of areas where the transport is provided by public service vehicles, these vehicles are exempted from the reduction referred to in the instructions to garage proprietors, but in areas where school transport is provided otherwise, the instructions to garage proprietors asking them to give priority to central and local government vehicles should ensure that that transport continues to operate satisfactorily.

Mr. Ross

Surely the Secretary of State realises that in areas like his own much of the transport is hired and is not public transport at all? Difficulties may well arise in such cases.

Mr. Stuart

I am very well aware of the difficulties in my own area. I have mentioned the instructions issued to garage proprietors, and I hope that there will be no interruption in this service.

17. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the effect on local government services of recently announced oil and petrol restrictions.

Mr. J. Stuart

Generally it is expected that local government services will be able, without serious loss of efficiency, to effect the saving of 10 per cent. which other consumers have been asked to make The essential needs of the police, fire and public transport services will be met.

Mr. Ross

Surely the Secretary of State realises that because of the policy of financial stringency forced upon local authorities, they are already economising as far as they can, and that it will nor. be a matter of saving but of imposing cuts in services, and vital services at that?

Mr. Stuart

The vital services are reserved and exempted.