HL Deb 04 December 1956 vol 200 cc714-5

2.38 p.m.

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Hore-Belisha, I beg to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask her Majesty's Government whether the U.S.A.A.F. stations in this country have made provision to supply their requirements in petroleum fuels otherwise than from United Kingdom sterling and dollar resources.]

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, supplies of aviation spirit for United States Air Force stations in this country are imported by the United States Air Force. Other aviation fuels, including fuel for jet engines, and ground fuels are supplied by the United Kingdom distributing companies in the normal course of business and the payments made for these are a source of dollar income to this country.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, arising out of that reply, may I ask the noble Earl whether he can give the House an assurance that all the fuel for the ground operations of the United States Air Force, or all fuel for the ground operations of the road transport of any of the United States Air Forces, will be subject to the same rationing principles as will apply to the civilian population of this country, not only when the supplies are drawn from the civilian petrol stations of this country but when they are obtained from the United States Forces' own supply?

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, I think I can give the noble Lord that assurance, though perhaps not absolutely in terms. What I can say is that they are making significant savings, both in aviation fuel and in fuel for ground use, and I am given to understand that it will amount to very nearly, if not quite, the same principle on which we are operating in this country.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl. I have asked this question on the spur of the moment and it may have put the noble Earl at some disadvantage. I should like the Government at the earliest possible moment to give the people of this country the assurance that American Forces do not draw their supplies for their own private motor cars from American Government resources on air stations and other military establishments. If they do so, I should like the Government to give the assurance that the American authorities will see that coupons are surrendered for the fuel, and also that all American Forces in this country, when they purchase their supplies from civilian sources here, will be subject to the same rationing as the British civilian. If the noble Earl cannot give me that answer and would prefer to make a studied reply, I will repeat the question again in the debate that is to take place to-morrow in your Lordships' House, when perhaps the noble Earl will be able to give the answer.

THE EARL OF SELKIRK

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for what he has said. I think that that question, asking for a number of details in regard to the American rationing system, is going a little beyond the Question on the Order Paper, but perhaps I should say that the point is very much in mind, and it is recognised in principle by the American authorities themselves.