§ 31. Mr. Lambertasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that shortage of petrol is causing hardship in rural areas, especially where there is no bus service, and is hampering farmers in their efforts to produce food; and if he will therefore instruct his regional offices to make more generous allocations to those areas.
§ Mr. GaitskellI cannot in present circumstances agree to any general increase in allowances to persons living in rural areas but the whole question of supplementary allowances for farmers has been discussed with the National Farmers' Union and arrangements made to ensure that the production of food is not hampered by shortage of petrol.
Mr. Amoryasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the maximum petrol ration allowable by his Department for professional and commercial purposes in rural areas is in many cases inadequate; and whether he will authorise increased allocations in appropriate cases to enable those concerned to work at full output.
§ Mr. GaitskellI regret that in present circumstances I cannot agree to increase the maximum quantities fixed for supplementary allowances for business and commercial purposes.