§ Sir N. MOOREasked the home Secretary whether he will inquire into the position created owing to the granting of licences for the storage and sale of petroleum, enabling pumps and filling stations to be erected in opposition to the wishes of local authorities to such erection and, particularly, having regard to the by-laws made by local authorities under the Petroleum Consolidation Act, 1928; and whether he will inquire into any specific case supplied to illustrate the anomaly?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am always ready to inquire into any anomaly so far as I have responsibility in respect of it, but I am not sure I understand what inquiry is wanted by the hon. Member. If, as I can only presume, his question relates to a case where, in pursuance of my statutory duties, I inquired into and allowed an appeal against a refusal of a local authority in Surrey to grant a licence for the storage of petroleum spirit, I ought to explain that the only considerations which I was entitled to take into account were considerations of public safety. I may add that when I gave my decision, no by-laws affecting the site were in force nor had I received any for confirmation. I see no ground for further inquiry.