§ 65. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why he has issued instructions to regional petroleum officers to limit petrol allowances for weekend journeys of 120 miles a month; and whether he will permit them to exercise discretion to grant a higher allowance in reasonable cases.
§ Mr. GaitskellBecause there is a limit to the amount of petrol which we can allow for such purposes.
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§ 72. Mr. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the average time required by his Department to deal with applications for E or S petrol coupons forwarded by Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents and made direct to regional petroleum officers by the individuals concerned, respectively.
§ Mr. GaitskellI regret that I cannot give the information asked for without an analysis of the very large number of applications received, involving an expenditure of time and effort which could not be justified at present. I am glad to assure the hon. Member, however, that the delay in dealing with applications has now been very much reduced.
§ 74. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why petrol is made available to enable professional footballers to reach fixtures which cannot be reached by public transport although amateur players are denied a similar privilege.
§ Mr. GaitskellAn allowance of petrol is granted to a professional footballer when this is necessary to enable him to carry on his profession. The reasons why a more generous attitude cannot be adopted towards amateur players are given in a recently published official leaflet of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
§ 76. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that regional petroleum officers have not yet received any instructions regarding the issue of petrol coupons for lawn mowers this summer; and if he will give an assurance that allowances will be granted for this purpose.
§ Mr. GaitskellThis matter is under consideration.