§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what has been the cost of printing petrol coupons since 1970; and what percentage of coupons printed has been distributed;
(2) how many petrol coupons were issued in 1974–75; and how many remain in storage;
(3) what he now proposes to do with petrol coupons; what is his estimate of the number of coupons destroyed by his Department; and how many have been kept in storage.
§ Mr. John SmithThe coupons issued as a precautionary measure during the winter of 1973–74 had been printed over a period of some 16 years. The printing cost from 1970 onwards is estimated at £238,500.
About 20 million books and sheets were issued to the public during 1973–74. None was issued in 1974–75. Those coupons were declared obsolete on 8th July 1975, and the remaining stocks of nearly 60 million books and sheets were disposed of, mainly for repulping.
312WCoupons to a new design have been printed to replace them at a cost of £258,000. These are required as part of the Government's contingency plans against the possibility of a severe motor fuel shortage. The number printed is sufficient to cater for the existing vehicle population, and more will be produced if required by an increase in that population.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the annual cost of storing petrol coupons in the years 1974 and 1975.
§ Mr. John Smith£7,725 in 1974–75 and £7,382 in 1975–76.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many representations he has had regarding his decision to cease to issue petrol coupons.
§ Mr. John SmithIssue of motor fuel rationing coupons ceased on 23rd March 1974. No representations about this have been received.