HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 c190
17. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent petrol restrictions are still causing unemployment.

Mr. Iain Macleod

During the four weeks ending 15th March, the discharge of about 1,000 workers was reported as being wholly or partly due to petrol restrictions. This compares with a figure of about 3,000 during the previous four weeks. On 15th March, some 22,000 workers were estimated to be working short time wholly or partly on account of petrol restrictions. The corresponding figure for 15th February was 36,000.

Mr. Lipton

Now that rationing is openly flouted everywhere and is no longer a problem, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to end the shilling extra duty and so keep down rising costs which adversely affect employment and may even cause strikes?

Mr. Macleod

I cannot think that that arises very much from the Question on the Order Paper.