§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many officials are involved in the handling of petrol rationing; and what does this rationing cost the nation in salaries, house rent, postage and other incidentals.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe total staff employed on petrol rationing is 1,763, of whom 36 are at headquarters and the remainder in the regional petroleum offices. The cost 99W of this staff is approximately£460,000. My Department also bears the cost, amounting to about£45,000, for petrol rationing in Northern Ireland. The cost of accommodation is borne by the Ministry of Works, of postage by the Post Office and of stationery by the Stationery Office as part of the common services afforded by those Departments. I have no information as to the amounts involved.