§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of petrol would be required to double the present ration; 76W and what proportion the total amount of petrol then being used in this country would bear to the total amount used in 1939.
§ Mr. ShinwellAn additional 394,000 tons of petrol per annum would, it is estimated, be required in order to double the present basic ration. If the basic ration was doubled but no increases were made in the supplementary rations for cars and motor-cycles, the total annual consumption of petrol by such vehicles would be approximately 52 per cent. of that in 1938. This estimate is based on the number of cars at present in use, and takes no account of the large increase which would result from doubling the ration.
§ Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is his intention to continue control of petrol under the pool distribution scheme or if it is intended to revert to the competitive system.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have this matter under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. Dumpletonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether arrangements will be made for extra allowances of petrol to be made to candidates in the forthcoming municipal elections on 1st November next.
§ Mr. ShinwellArrangements have been made by which petrol allowances will be made available to candidates at the municipal elections to be held next month.
§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the fuel ration books now being issued for ten horse-power motor-cars provide six units for the months of September, October and November, eight for the month of December, seven for the month of January and seven for the month of February.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe coupons included in the current ration books are intended to provide 18 units for the three month period, September-November, giving a monthly mileage of approximately 150 miles. For the three following months, there are 22 units intended to provide a monthly mileage of approximately 180 miles. In order to split the 22 units between the three months as evenly as possible it has been necessary to provide eight units for December and seven for each of the other two months.