§ Sir H. NIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the licence to obtain 2 gallons of petrol per month for seven months, issued on 6th June, 1918, to Mr. G. K. Gibbs, of Lancaster Road, Belsize Park, N.W., on the recommendation received from the Ministry of Munitions, to enable him to proceed to and from his work, was so granted in respect of a motor cycle which he sold two days later—namely, on 8th June, 1918—presumably with the benefit of the licence to obtain petrol for seven months; whether he is aware that the districts of Mr. Gibbs's residence and work are accessible by a direct line of railway with a regular train service; and whether, having regard to the circumstances of this case, he will cause a searching scrutiny of all applications received from Government Departments, and especially the Ministry of Munitions, for the issue of petrol licences, so as to prevent abuse by officials of the privileges granted ostensibly for national purposes while the public are prevented from the free use of petrol?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Petrol Control Department have no information regarding the sale by Mr. Gibbs of his motor cycle, but an inquiry is being made, and any necessary action will be taken. Petrol licences are not transferable. With regard to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I may say that all applications received from other Government 2165W Departments are carefully scrutinised, with a view to securing that exceptional treatment shall be granted only in cases where such treatment is necessitated by reasons of national urgency.