§ 33. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average number of coupon units of petrol of all categories issued monthly at the present time; and how does this figure compare with the corresponding period 12 months ago and with the corresponding number of gallons consumed per month in 1938–39.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe quantity of imported motor spirit entered for home consumption in the first two months of 1946 was 169 million gallons, and in the first two months of 1945 was 351 million gallons. The corresponding figures for the first two months of 1938 and 1939 were 190 million and 195 million gallons respectively. These figures include military requirements. To disclose the number of coupon units of petrol of all categories now being issued would be to disclose the extent of these military requirements, I regret that I do not feel able to give the information concerning coupon issues.
§ Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the imports of petrol for the latest three months for which he has statistics; and the amount of petrol used or taken by coupons by users in the same period.
§ Mr. ShinwellImports of motor spirit for the three months ended 3oth April, 1946, as published in the Trade and Navigation Accounts were 1,285,000 tons (385,500,000 gallons). As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given today to a somewhat similar question by the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll).