§ 45. Mr. Liptonasked the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to ensure more efficient co-ordination between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in respect of petrol rationing.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)I have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the two Departments are already working in the closest co-operation.
§ Mr. LiptonEveryone will regret the reasons for the Prime Minister's absence today. Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that very many private car users, commercial travellers and variety artistes, for example, are threatened with a serious loss of livelihood because regional officers have not yet decided on their allocation, and that many small businesses are seriously prejudiced because the Ministry of Transport has not yet decided on their allocations? When will all this mess and muddle end?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not accept the hon. Member's observations. I will say only that the Minister of Transport has special responsibilities in relation to transport and, in particular, in relation to goods and public passenger vehicles, and he is working with the Minister of Power. I have no doubt whatever that the difficulties which are bound to arise will be resolved to the best advantage.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the Prime Minister has not gone to Jamaica?
§ Mr. ButlerI can give the House the assurance that the Prime Minister's Questions are normally for answer on Tuesday and Thursday. The Prime Minister would prefer to concentrate his Questions on those days. It does not mean that it would be impossible for the Prime Minister to answer on another day, but it would be convenient if his Questions could be concentrated on those days. It so happens that today is Wednesday, which means that it is neither Tuesday nor Thursday.