HC Deb 11 March 1957 vol 566 cc777-8
4. Mr. Lipton

asked the Paymaster-General what representations he has received about making unused petrol coupons valid after 17th April next.

Mr. Maudling

I received a number of such representations. As I announced on 20th February, motorists may use their first period coupons throughout April.

Mr. Lipton

Is not it clear that the Government want all the current coupons used up by 30th April because the country is over-stocked, as was shown at one petrol station in the London area yesterday? Is the main reason for continuing rationing that our hard-up Government want to hold on to the 1s. extra duty per gallon for longer than is necessary?

Mr. Maudling

One swallow does not make a summer—even if it is a petrol station. The fact is that stocks of petrol are below the seasonal normal.

22. Mr. J. Howard

asked the Paymaster-General if he will ensure that voluntary organisations supplying transport for the conveyance of disabled people to their social gatherings are given a further issue of petrol coupons as soon as supplies permit.

Mr. Maudling

The regional petroleum officers have been instructed to deal sympathetically with applications for petrol for the conveyance of disabled people. If my hon. Friend has reason to think that a particular case has not been so dealt with and will let me know, I will gladly look into it.

27. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Paymaster-General, in view of the possibility of the Syrian pumping stations being repaired for use in the near future, what immediate likelihood there now is of the petrol ration being increased.

Mr. Maudling

Prospects of the restoration of some flow of oil through Syria will be taken into account in assessing petrol rationing prospects. But I cannot now go beyond the statement which I made on 20th February.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister appreciate that among some sections of the public there is a shortage of petrol and other sections are finding considerable financial hardship? Will he take some steps to see that those sections which are suffering receive some adjustments?

Mr. Maudling

I think the rationing system is as fair as it can be made in the circumstances. Our anxiety is to get rid of it as soon as possible, but until the supply prospects are a great deal clearer than they are at the moment, that will not be possible.

Mr. Neal

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what will be the United Kingdom's share of the output from the pipeline of the Iraq Petroleum Company when pumping is resumed?

Mr. Maudling

If pumping is resumed at an annual rate of 11 million tons, that will represent—if there are adjustments to the routing of tankers, because the trouble is shortage of tanker capacity, not of oil—an increase for Europe as a whole of about 6 per cent. of its normal consumption. All the increase will go into the European pool and will be allocated according to directions of O.E.E.C. Therefore, I cannot make an exact prophecy for the United Kingdom.

Mr. A. J. Irvine

What proportion of normal consumption is the current consumption of petrol in this country?

Mr. Maudling

I would not like to give an exact figure without notice.