§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that small petrol retailers cannot get delivery of less than 200 gallons at a time, and owing to the lessened demand this results in some of their coupons being invalidated as out of date and being refused by the district petroleum office, though valid at the time of sale; and as this regulation, if continued, will mean hardship to both retailers and consumers, especially in rural areas, whether he will issue new instructions in the matter?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware that the minimum bulk delivery of motor spirit by974W the Petroleum Board is 200 gallons. In order to regulate the supply and distribution of motor spirit, it is essential to impose a period within which coupons must be surrendered for the supply of petrol. The Petroleum Board have, however, been authorised to accept from dealers coupons expiring at the end of a rationing period against any delivery made up to and including the 14th day of the month following this period or against the first delivery made thereafter should that be later.