HC Deb 01 November 1939 vol 352 cc1957-9W
Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, under the group scheme for commercial vehicles, while owners can buy in bulk from petrol companies if they can produce coupons to the amount of 200 gallons, no such arrangement operates in the case of motor-cars; and whether he will consider the advisability of extending it to include motor-cars in order to assist business firms?

Mr. Lloyd

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, Bilston (Mr. Hannah), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Molson

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether he is aware that Messrs. Hipperson and Son, 6, Broad Street Place, London, E.C.2, who are engaged on important contracts on searchlight camps, are allowed only nine gallons per week more than the general ration and have had their application for an additional allowance refused; and that the equipment of searchlight camps is being impeded by the consequent shortage of petrol, and what steps he is taking?

Captain Wallace

I have been asked to reply. I think my hon. Friend must be under some misapprehension. Messrs. Hipperson have stated that they have no complaints.

Mr. Molson

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he is taking to ensure that all individuals and companies engaged on contracts of urgent importance for Government Departments shall have as much petrol as is reasonably necessary for the prompt and efficient carrying out of their contracts?

Mr. Lloyd

If my hon. Friend has in mind private cars used by business concerns the instructions already issued to the Divisional Petroleum Officers make provision for additional allowances in cases such as those to which he refers. If commercial vehicles are involved my hon. Friend should address a question to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Groves

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the difficulties being experienced by doctors in some areas as regards obtaining necessary supplies of petrol; and why his Department has refused to investigate individual complaints which obviously indicate that the rationing scheme is not working satisfactorily in the areas from which the complaints originate?

Mr. Lloyd

Special arrangements were recently made for dealing with applications from doctors for supplementary allowances of petrol and cases of difficulty which arise are being dealt with by the Divisional Petroleum Officers in consultation with the liaison officers appointed by the British Medical Association.