HC Deb 12 March 1947 vol 434 cc216-7W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will inquire into the case, details of which have been submitted to him, of a Canadian business man who desired to spend 50,000 dollars on goods in England on a business trip involving travel of 3,500 miles, which he proposed to make by motorcar; why this man was offered petrol to cover only 450 miles; and, in view of the fact that the trip was cancelled and of the effect of this experience on other businessmen from Canada, if he will take measures to prevent a repetition of this incident.

Mr. Shinwell

I regret that owing to an unfortunate mistake in my Regional Office the wrong scale of allowance was quoted in this case. Motorists visiting this country from abroad for business purposes are given full petrol allowances to carry out their essential journeys by car. The Regional Petroleum Officer has been in touch with the English correspondents of the Canadian businessman in question and I understand that the latter has been advised by air mail that his requirements will be met.