§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the approximate 23W amount of petrol now being consumed monthly; and what is the increased consumption which he anticipates when petrol rationing is dispensed with.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe latest figures of the quantity of imported motor spirit entered for home consumption relate to July, in which month approximately 358,000 tons were used. This is equivalent to an annual rate of about 4,300,000 tons. The rate of consumption on the removal of rationing can only be roughly estimated but probably it would exceed the 1938 total of 4,900,000 tons.
§ 137. Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now state when he proposes to abandon petrol rationing altogether; and if he can give an estimate of the resulting saving in manpower, and the numbers of petroleum officers, clerks and typists, respectively, that it would release for productive activity.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not yet able to state when it will be possible to abandon petrol rationing. The ultimate staff reduction would be 1,880, of whom 69 are Petroleum Officers (all grades), 1,716 are clerks, and 69 are typists.
§ 138. Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can now state the approximate percentage of petrol being supplied from the U.S.A.; and whether, in view of the necessity to conserve dollar credits, he will consider all Britain's supplies being delivered from sterling area sources, in view of the fact that there are adequate supplies available within this area.
§ Mr. ShinwellDuring the three months, June, July and August, the last three months for which figures have been published, 21 per cent. of petrol imports into the United Kingdom were drawn from the U.S.A. The quantity of petrol produced within the sterling area is relatively small and does not cover consumption in the United Kingdom. But, as I have indicated repeatedly in reply to past Questions, even total British controlled petrol production, including supplies from Iran and the Dutch West Indies which are outside the sterling area, is insufficient for our total needs. In addition to the United Kingdom, we have to make supplies available for the rest of the sterling area and for our export trade.
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§ 139. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now able to agree to an increase in the petrol allowance to commercial travellers and other business men as many of them are unable to earn their living on the present amount granted.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am glad that it has been found possible to make a further increase of approximately one-third in the petrol allowances for commercial travellers as from 1st November. I regret however that I am not in a position to grant a further increase to other "S" coupon holders for business journeys in addition to the increase of 50 per cent. which came into effect on 1st August last.