Written Answers of 3 May 1946

  HIRE CARS AND TAXICABS (PETROL RESTRICTIONS)
  Sir J. Mellor
  asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will identify the statutory rules and orders now in force affecting the hiring of motor vehicles; why each order is still required; and when he expects to remove these restrictions.

  Mr. Shinwell:
  The regulations governing the use of petrol in private hire cars and taxicabs are contained respectively in Parts II and III of The Control of Motor Fuel Order, 1944 (S.R. O. 1944 —No. 281), as amended by The Control of Motor Fuel Order, 1945 (S.R. O. 1945—No. 513). Special allowances of petrol are granted to these vehicles to meet the normal transport needs of the localities which they immediately serve. So long as the shortage of petrol supplies renders rationing necessary, I am bound to impose a measure of control on the journeys for which petrol may be used in hire cars and taxicabs. When the basic petrol ration was restored and the supplementary allowances for private cars were increased last year, the allowances for hire cars and taxicabs were increased and the restrictions on the movement of
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  these vehicles were relaxed. I do not feel able to grant any further relaxation at present.

  HOUSING (NORTH DORSET)
  Lieut.-Colonel Byers
  asked the Minister of Health the total number of dwellings in the Parliamentary Division of North Dorset; the number which have a main water supply and the number which have main indoor sanitation.

  Mr. Bevan:
  I regret that my records do not enable me to give this information.

  SCOTLAND (FISHING INDUSTRY)
  Mr. Hoy
  asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the reports of the Scottish Council on Industry's Committee on the White Fishing and Shell Fishing Industry will be published.

  Mr. Westwood:
  The reports have now been published by the Scottish Council on Industry. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House for the general convenience of Members and copies will be obtainable at the Vote Office on application by Members interested.