HC Deb 06 December 1973 vol 865 cc460-1W
Mr. Cordle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will consider issuing official permits to persons, such as farmers, who legitimately require to purchase petrol in cans.

Mr. Tom Boardman

The Motor Fuel (Restriction of Supplies) Order 1973 does not restrict the sale of petrol in cans to farmers if this has been their customary method of purchase, provided the fuel is acquired in a normal quantity from the purchaser's normal supplier and is not for use in a private motor vehicle. The question of the issue of official permits does not therefore arise.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the event of petrol rationing being introduced, he will make provision to ensure that the elected representatives on the new county and district councils are allowed to have enough petrol coupons to carry out their duties as councillors.

Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware of the difficulties which could face district councillors in rural areas in getting to council meetings in the event of petrol rationing ; and if he will ensure that they will be able to receive adequate coupons for this purpose.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Yes. If petrol rationing were introduced, councillors who could not carry out their duties otherwise would be able to apply for supplementary allowances.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure an adequate supply of petrol for the local authorities, statutory organisations and voluntary organisations, including those like Lions and Rotary, to fulfil their normal rôle in transporting the handicapped, the disabled and the elderly from their homes to community activities and in transporting infirm relatives to visit those in residential homes or hospitals ; whether he will take immediate steps to investigate the degree of disruption which has already occurred in these services ; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

A directive has been sent by the oil companies to suppliers asking them to make available a special issue when they are approached by doctors, disabled persons or social workers. Any of these categories experiencing difficulties should get in touch with their local DTI regional office.