HC Deb 13 December 1949 vol 470 c250W
Mr. Fitzroy Maclean

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many motor vehicle registration books and how many petrol coupons have been stolen or lost in the post in transit to and from his Department; and what steps he is taking to check this abuse.

Mr. Gaitskell

Figures of these losses are not available from the beginning of the petroleum rationing scheme in 1939, but at present the losses of motor vehicle registration books in transit are at the rate of about 2,000 per annum against at least seven and a half million annual transits. Figures of individual coupons lost are not available but the gallonage represented amounts, in most regions, to less than.05 per cent. of the total issues. In a few localities, however, the rate of loss has been running at a higher figure, and I am indebted to my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General for the co-operation of his investigators in dealing with these cases. A number of thieves have already been convicted as a result of their efforts, which continue to be vigorously pursued. The figures given above include all losses reported as "in transit" and must include some registration books and coupons which are in fact delivered but are subsequently mislaid or lost.