§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the divisional petroleum officer at 1835W Tunbridge Wells sanctioned a supply of 31 gallons of petrol to enable four members of the borough council of Brighton to travel by a high-powered motor-car from Brighton to Blackpool and back, journeys covering 574 miles which might have been performed by rail; and whether this use of petrol has his approval?
Major Lloyd GeorgeA request by telephone for the supply of petrol coupons for the journey in question was received by the Regional Petroleum Officer very shortly before the August Bank Holiday, when the Press was reporting extreme congestion of the railway services, especially of those to Blackpool. He understood that the journey was one of great urgency in the interests of the borough and must be made within the period of congestion on the railways; and he reluctantly authorised the supply of the coupons. I regard this action as a legitimate exercise of his discretion in the circumstances of the case.
§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now terminate the working of Petrol Order, No. 3, of 1940?