§ Captain Lyonsasked the Secretary for Petroleum whether he is aware that drive-yourself motor-cars have been and can be utilised with the maximum allocated petrol for unnecessary and wasteful purposes; and whether, in view of the unessential use of petrol that must ensue, even if the journeys of the customer be recorded, he will take steps to prevent such use for non-essential purposes?
Mr. LloydI agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that the use of the hired car is susceptible of abuse. My Department is in consultation with representatives of private hire firms to see whether further measures can be taken to check this without at the same time interfering with the very useful public service performed by the hired car in cases of emergency or on other appropriate occasions when suitable alternative means of conveyance may not be available.