§ Colonel GRETTONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that petrol has been until recently used for washing motor lorries in the Army Service Corps and poured on the ground in order to avoid showing a surplus and a consequent decrease in the supply issued; if he will take steps to put an end to the system of a fixed issue of petrol which has led to such practices; and if he will make investigations into the quantities of petrol which are really required for efficient service of the Army at home and stop unnecessary waste?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe strictest orders have been issued to ensure economy in the use of petrol, and the Army Council have not any information confirming the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion that until recently petrol was used for washing motor lorries in the Army Service Corps and also poured on the ground to avoid showing a surplus. There is no fixed issue of spirit. Log books which are kept for each vehicle are checked in order to ascertain that the petrol used is not in excess of that required for the mileage run. The attention of General Officers Commanding in commands has been repeatedly called to the necessity of economy in this connection.
§ Mr. PROTHEROasked the Secretary of State for War whether an issue of petrol at the rate of one gallon a week is allowed for the cleaning of each military motor cycle; whether any allowance is made for the cleaning of military motor wagons; and, if so, what?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; no issue or allowance of petrol is made for the cleaning of any mechanical transport vehicles, and there are strict orders prohibiting the use of petrol for this purpose.