§ Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when petrol rationing will cease.
Lieut.-Colonel A. Dowerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now in a position to announce an increase in the basic allowance of petrol.
§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can give any indication as to when the rationing of petrol will become unnecessary.
§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the present stocks of petrol in this country; and for what reasons petrol rationing is still maintained.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am anxious to relax, and, as soon as possible, to discontinue petrol rationing, but this cannot be done until arrangements for the import of future supplies have been reviewed in the light of the changed conditions brought about by the end of the war with Japan. At present the bulk of our supplies are coming from the United States under Lend-Lease arrangements, and considerable readjustments will have to be made in consultation with our American Allies. As regards stocks in this country considerable amounts are held on military account, and I am not yet in a position to publish information about these stocks. More-456W over, we must also meet the needs of the liberated countries in Europe and the requirements of our occupying Forces. I hope to make a further statement on the subject when the House resumes.
§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now willing to grant a petrol ration to new registered lorries for the conveyance of fish from Portavogie, County Down, to Belfast.
§ Mr. ShinwellPetrol allowances are now being granted for the conveyance of fish to Belfast by lorry from Portavogie and elsewhere on the coast of County Down.