§ 128. Major N. Macphersonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why September allocations of S petrol coupons were in many cases reduced; and why no communication explaining the reduction was forwarded along with the coupons.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe value of "S" unit coupons was increased by 50 per cent, as from 1st August and, as I indicated in my statement in the House on 16th July, it was necessary, therefore, to reduce the number of units issued in the case of those who, as a result of the automatic increase, would have received a greater benefit than their circumstances justified. In all cases, however, the number of gallons of petrol authorised would be the same or greater. It was consequently not considered necessary in such cases to call the applicant's attention to any decrease in the number of units issued.
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§ 132. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reasons for the continuation of petrol rationing.
§ Mr. ShinwellI would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on 16th July. The question of the abolition of petrol rationing is constantly under review, but in present circumstances I regret that I am not yet able to announce any further relaxations.
§ 133. Mr. J. Lewisasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the amount of petrol allocated to professional men is based upon a maximum fixed by his Department, or is based upon requirements necessary to meet the circumstances of the individual case.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn the case of professional men engaged on work categorised as "essential," the supplementary petrol allowance is intended to cover their essential needs, and is not based on a fixed maximum. In the case of "S" coupon holders in what is known as the "Semi-essential" class, the circumstances of the individual case are taken into account in assessing the allowance, subject, however, to a scale maximum, the gallonage equivalent of which was increased by 50 per cent, as from 1st August.
§ 135. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will abolish petrol rationing in order to maintain the reserve in this country which in normal times is essential if adequate supplies are to be available.
§ Mr. ShinwellAs I have often explained before, the reason for petrol rationing is the necessity of economising our dollar resources and I do not understand how the abolition of rationing would assist in the maintenance of what the hon. Member describes as the reserves of petrol in this country It is, of course, necessary to have a working stock of petrol to ensure that the whole distribution system from ocean installation to garage pump is maintained and broadly speaking, the higher the consumption the higher the working stock required.
§ Sir W. Smilesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he anticipates being able to increase the ration for petrol in 1947; and if there will be sufficient tankers for this transport early next year.
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§ Mr. ShinwellI am not yet in a position to say whether it will be possible to increase the ration of petrol in 1947. Tanker transport is, of course, one of a number of factors which have to be taken into consideration.