§ Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in the recent crisis supplies of petrol were found to be very much short of the requirements for road transport; and what steps are being taken to remedy this defect?
§ Captain CrookshankThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. During the recent crisis I issued through the Press on 29th September an announcement which stated that there were very substantial stocks of petrol in the country for all purposes, and that arrangements were being made for the maintenance of supplies. An appeal for economy was added, as in view of the large requirements for essential purposes it was necessary in the national interest to reduce the use of motor fuels for non-essential purposes. I would also refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 16th November by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to a similar question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter), a copy of which I am sending to him.