HC Deb 14 November 1956 vol 560 cc951-3
48. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what preparations have now been made to introduce petrol rationing; when it is likely that it will be introduced; and on what basis petrol is to be allocated.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Aubrey Jones)

Coupons have been printed and the provision of the necessary staff and accommodation is in train. Details of the rationing scheme will be announced if and when the occasion arises.

Mr. Dodds

Has not information been received during the past twenty-four hours which shows that the situation in the Suez Canal is much graver than was anticipated? Is it not vital that every gallon of petrol should be saved at the earliest possible moment? Is it not now obvious what a terrible price we have to pay for the Prime Minister's folly?

Mr. Jones

What the hon. Gentleman has said is certainly not within my knowledge. Indeed, within the last thirty-six hours the Egyptian authorities themselves have declared that the Canal can be opened within a month or two months, and that puts quite a different complexion upon matters. I am satisfied, in the light of the information available, that the restrictions so far imposed will prevent an undue drain on stocks.

Mr. H. Wilson

In view of statements in many national newspapers, including The Times, that petrol rationing is now inevitable, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm the very widespread opinion in the country that, following the Taunton precedent, the Government are holding over the announcement of petrol rationing until the Chester by-election is over?

Mr. Speaker

The Taunton by-election is not within the Minister's responsibility.

Mr. Harold Davies

While we are certain that the right hon. Gentleman will do his utmost to ensure a fair allocation of the ration, might I ask him to present the nation with a White Paper showing how he will allocate—this is much more important—fuel to the steel industry, the pottery industry and the glass industry, which have turned over to oil burning?

In respect of the Measure relating to the white fish industry, does the right hon. Gentleman still intend that the fishing industry shall go in for oil-burning vessels, or does the present situation alter the Government's policy?

Mr. Jones

If the situation demands a more severe restriction than that now imposed, I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.

49. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the situation in respect of the 10 per cent. cut in petrol supplies to garages; and whether he is satisfied that the small independent garages are receiving the same treatment as those belonging to the oil companies.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

It is too early to assess the effect upon garages of these restrictions, but I am sure that dealers are making a genuine effort to distribute supplies on the basis I proposed. The oil companies have given me an undertaking that they will apply the cut fairly as between dealers supplied by one company only and dealers supplied by several companies, and I am satisfied that they are respecting this undertaking.

Mr. Dodds

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last Sunday there were record numbers of motorists on the road? Also, is he aware that garage owners are saying that they will not be able to supply petrol at the end of the month because many motorists are taking from them all the petrol they can get and then returning to their homes and syphoning it out? Is he not aware of what is happening?

Mr. Jones

I must dispute the situation as described by the hon. Member. It is too early to assess the effect of the 10 per cent. cut; after all, it is only a week old. However, to my knowledge, the reactions so far are not as described by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Crouch

Does the 10 per cent. cut apply to diesel fuel used for opencast mining? Is this not a time when we should have a larger output of opencast coal and not allow it to be decreased as a result of the present situation?

Mr. Jones

As I explained a week ago, the 10 per cent. cut is subject to extremely few exceptions. If the cut were to become more severe—after all, the situation is being reviewed from day to day—then the consideration adduced by my hon. Friend would most certainly be borne in mind.

Mr. Callaghan

Might we have a little more guidance about the factors which the Government will take into account in deciding whether petrol rationing is necessary or not? Is it that the Government do not know how long the Canal will be shut, that they do not know what stocks they have, or that they do not know how much they will get from the United States? What are we waiting for? I put Chester on one side. Is it the case that the Government know already that petrol rationing is necessary but have not the courage to tell the country yet?

Mr. Jones

If the hon. Gentleman will exercise patience, he will hear the better or the worse in due time.

Mr. Callaghan

When?