HL Deb 14 December 1948 vol 159 cc991-2
LORD HAWKE

My Lords, I beg to ask the second question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government, whether they are aware that the 1 per cent. allowance to retailers of petrol for "breaking bulk" is inadequate, and is leading to dissatisfaction particularly among the smaller distributors.]

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, His Majesty's Government have received no representations from the interests concerned, nor have they any reason to believe that the 1 per cent. tolerance is inadequate. The noble Lord will realise that any allowance above losses actually incurred provides a dealer with a certain amount of petrol which he might be tempted to supply to motorists without the surrender of coupons, which is clearly most undesirable.

LORD HAWKE

The noble Lord has received a representation now!