100. Mr. Amoryasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will authorise an increase in the maximum petrol ration to commercial travellers covering an extensive rural area, in order to enable them fully and efficiently to perform their duties.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs I said in answer to a recent Question, petrol allowances to commercial travellers were reviewed in February, 1949, and a useful increase was then made in their allowance. Since then, the distance they can travel by car has been increased by about 2,000 miles a year, as the result of the decisions made by the Government about the standard ration. In view of the strong claims of other motorists who draw supplementary allowances, I regret that I am unable to carry out the hon. Member's proposal, much as I sympathise with the purpose which he has in mind.