§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why applicants for petrol allowances in the Birmingham district are informed that applications cannot be considered until after their motor vehicles have been licensed and insured for the current period; and whether he will instruct his officers to give decisions provisional upon due completion of licensing and insurance?
§ Mr. T. SmithIt is a general rule that regional petroleum officers may consider an application for a petrol allowance for a private car only if it is currently licensed. It is realised that adherence to this rule puts the applicant who is refused petrol to the inconvenience of applying for a refund of his licence payment and satisfying the licensing authority that the car has not been used during the currency of the licence. However, it is unsatisfactory to all concerned to ration on a hypothetical basis; and for this among other reasons my right hon. Friend thinks it desirable to maintain the rule.