§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to be able to lift the restrictions on the use of aviation fuels, both gasolene and kerosene.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (LORD BALOGH)My Lords, restrictions on deliveries of aviation kerosene used by jet aircraft were suspended on March 21. Voluntary restrictions on the use of aviation fuel operated by the light aviation industry were terminated on April 9. My right honourable friend the 2 Secretary of State for Energy is urgently considering whether to maintain restrictions on deliveries of aviation gasolene, which is used largely by private fliers and air taxi operators flying piston-engined aircraft.
§ LORD TREFGARNEMy Lords, I am greatly obliged to the noble Lord for that reply. While he and his right honourable friend are considering the relaxation of these restrictions, will he please bear in mind that the recent vast increase in price has effected a rationing system of its own? In these circumstances, is it not now possible to lift these remaining restrictions?
§ LORD BALOGHMy Lords, my right honourable friend is bearing these considerations well in mind. I hope that we shall be able to report progress.