HC Deb 02 November 1939 vol 352 cc2152-4W
Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the total cost of running the Midland petroleum office; and how many persons are engaged there?

Mr. Lloyd

The number of persons at present engaged in the Midland divisional petroleum office, which covers the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, in which about 186,000 cars are registered, is 174; and the average weekly cost of the staff, postage, and incidentals, has been approximately £493.

Sir A. Salter

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the petrol rations issued for the first month of rationing are also available for the second month?

Mr. Lloyd

The coupons contained in the basic ration book for private cars issued for the first month of rationing are not valid for the second month. This condition does not, however, apply in the case of supplementary coupons which are issued on the basis of stated requirements for essential needs. At present the use of such coupons is not limited to a particular period.

Sir R. Tasker

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by business people in obtaining sufficient petrol to conduct their business at a time when fuel storage is strained to full capacity and that tankers are unable to discharge their loads for this reason; and what is he doing to meet this difficulty?

Mr. Lloyd

I am aware that statements have appeared in the Press to the effect that fuel storage is strained to full capacity and that tankers are unable to discharge their loads for this reason; these statements are quite incorrect.

As regards the remainder of the question, it is one of the principal purposes of the motor fuel rationing scheme that the needs of owners of motor cars used for essential business should be promptly met, and every effort is being made to achieve this object.

Sir C. Rawson

asked the Secretary for Mines why taximeter-cabs in Torquay are allowed 90 gallons of petrol a month, and also London, whilst the streamline taximeter-cabs in Brighton and Hove, of the same horse-power, are only allowed 60 gallons where they only have a radius of two miles in which to pick up passengers; and, in view of the fact that there is no shortage of petrol, will he come to a decision quickly to increase the grant to the Brighton and Hove taximeter-cabs, before any more men are compelled to give up business?

Mr. Lloyd

The grant of petrol allowances to provincial taxis is related to horse-power with a maximum grant of 90 gallons per month. I have ascertained that the same rule is followed for assessing the petrol allowances to taximeter-cabs in Torquay as in Brighton and Hove.

As regards the second part of the question, I would like again to emphasise the importance of conserving the petrol resources of the country, and having already reviewed the petrol allowances to be made to provincial taxis, I regret that I cannot see my way to make any further concession at present.

Sir C. Rawson

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that the existing arrangements seem to be inadequate to deal with correspondence over the petrol question, he will make alternative arrangements by drawing on the staffs of other Departments not so busily occupied, as, owing to the length of time it takes to reply to some letters, traders have been compelled to cease business before the reply arrives?

Mr. Lloyd

The adequacy of the staff of my Department is kept regularly under review with the object of ensuring that, with proper regard to economy, the staff shall be sufficient to deal with correspondence without undue delay.