HC Deb 01 August 1918 vol 109 cc653-4W
Sir R. COOPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government has considered the fact that the Regulations recently issued by the Home Office and other authorities concerning the use of petrol for game-shooting purposes must result in depriving the public, and especially the hospitals, of a valuable food supply; whether these Regulations are the result of a permanent shortage of petrol; and, if so, whether the Government will take steps to increase the supply for useful and patriotic purposes by reducing the quantity now supplied to Ireland, where its use for private purposes of business, sport, and recreation is widespread?

Mr. WARDLE

In framing the Clauses of the Motor Spirit (Consolidation) and Gas Restriction Order, 1918, the possible effect of the prohibition of the use of petrol for game-shooting purposes upon the food supplies of the country was very carefully considered. The Regulations affecting the use of petrol form part of the scheme for controlling the consumption of this commodity which has been necessitated by the serious shortage of supplies. The use of petrol in Ireland is subject to the same restrictions as in the rest of the kingdom.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether garage proprietors will be complying with the petrol Regulations if they let out motor cars to Members of Parliament and candidates who desire to address their constituents or prospective constituents in rural areas from this date; and will special licences for petrol for the same purpose be granted to owners of private cars previous to a General Election being announced?

Mr. WARDLE

The Motor Spirit and Gas Restriction Orders, 1918, do not permit the use of hire cars or private cars by Members of Parliament and candidates who desire to address meetings in their constituencies. The special permits for use during the period of an election only, to which reference was made in the reply given to the hon. Member for Mid Shropshire on 23rd July will be granted to allbonâ-fide candidates upon applications made by their election agents, but applications will not be dealt with until the writs have been issued.