§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Transport whether he can make a statement as to the immediate future attitude of the Ministry in respect of petrol rationing towards long-distance road transport; and whether he is aware of the serious effect on business of being able to plan for only a fortnight ahead under the existing fuel scheme?
§ Captain WallaceA basic ration of fuel is issued in respect of every goods vehicle available for work, and, in addition, it is open to the operators, through their group organisers, to apply in advance for supplementary rations. These applications are examined in the light of the urgency and essential nature of the work to be done, and with reference to the existence and suitability of alternative means of transport. The extent to which 1597W the applications can be granted is necessarily governed by the amount of fuel which is available for goods transport by road.
Fuel rationing for commercial vehicles has only recently been put on a fortnightly instead of a weekly basis. I am not aware that business is being hampered by the anticipation of a shortage of transport.