HC Deb 26 November 1951 vol 494 cc101-2W
Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will re-introduce petrol rationing during the period of the present financial difficulties confronting the country.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

As the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster explained on 14th November in another place, the greatest part of the petrol consumed in this country is coming from U.K. refineries. Indeed, before the end of next year the output of petrol is expected to equal consumption.

The shaping of future policy must depend on the economic situation but I am not at present of the opinion that the financial saving from the re-introduction of petrol rationing would warrant either the economic disturbance to the country or the administrative cost involved in setting up the organisation required to operate such a scheme.

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