HC Deb 15 July 1948 vol 453 cc120-1W
64. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will reconsider his decision regarding the application of Messrs. Robert H. Lowe & Company, of Congleton, for a further allowance of petrol, bearing in mind the extent to which the company has expanded, and that they are being seriously hampered by lack of petrol.

Mr. Gaitskell

On present information, No. But I am asking the regional petroleum officer to get in touch with this firm to re-examine the position.

66. Lieut. - Commander Braithwaite

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why Mr. T. Taylor, farmer, of The Bungalow, Sproatley, was refused five extra gallons of petrol for the purpose of visiting the Royal Show at York.

Mr. Gaitskell

This petrol application was for a vehicle licensed only to carry the produce of Mr. Taylor's farm or articles required on the farm. Mr. Taylor, however, applied for petrol not for carrying goods at all but only for travelling to and from the Show—contrary to the conditions of the licence. In these circumstances the regional petroleum officer very properly rejected the application.

73. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has now considered the request made to him by the United Commercial Travellers Association for extra allowances of petrol to commercial travellers operating in country districts; and what answer he has made.

Mr. Gaitskell

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary recently received a deputation from the National Council of Commercial Travellers Associations, who suggested the introduction of a new scheme for the allocation of petrol to commercial travellers. They were invited to submit details but have not yet done so. I am prepared to consider any such scheme provided it does not in the aggregate involve an increase in petrol consumption.

75. Mr. Drayson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, where a poll takes place in a locality to decide whether cinemas shall open on Sundays, he will make an allocation of petrol to those conducting the campaigns for and against the proposal.

Mr. Gaitskell

No.