HC Deb 11 September 1941 vol 374 c320W
Sir R. Wells

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and South Huntingdonshire Authorised Potato Merchants' Society has been informed that on 1st October, a further reduction of 25 per cent. in petrol is to be made in their supplementary allowance; whether this reduction applies to other areas; whether he has taken steps to ensure that the potato and market-garden supplies for the London area are not reduced unduly thereby; and whether he is aware that supplies in the past by rail, owing to delays, have not been satisfactory?

Colonel Llewellin

Yes, Sir. The Regional Transport Commissioner reached this decision after consultation with the Ministry of Food and the growers and merchants concerned. The reduction will affect only certain operators who have up till now continued their peacetime practice of delivering potatoes direct to retailers in London by road instead of making use of the adequate rail services available.