§ Mr. Wilkesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that Mr. John Holt, 56, Stoddart Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, who is a registered disabled person, No. NXX 4296, and who was discharged after 12 years service as a marine engineer as physically unfit, has been refused a grant of petrol to commence a private hire service; that Mr. Holt is a tuberculosis patient and his doctor has certified that outdoor work offers the best prospect of Mr. Holt's recovery and resettlement; and whether he will re-open this case.
§ Mr. GaitskellI am advised that there are 92 applicants on the waiting list in the Regional Petroleum Office prior to Mr. Holt, and that there is no shortage of private hire car facilities in Newcastle. In the circumstances, I would feel justified in granting Mr. Holt a private hire car allowance only if I were advised by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Labour and National Service, that this form of occupation offered the best prospects for Mr. Holt's resettlement. This advice he has not felt able to give.