§ 68. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the run on petrol supplies is causing difficulty to firms delivering essential foodstuffs from shops to customers particularly in rural areas; and whether he will make a statement on Government policy on this matter.
§ 72. Mr. G. Darlingasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that many food merchants and retailers are unable to get enough petrol and diesel oil to maintain their food distribution services; and whether he will arrange for them to have priority in supplies during the next two weeks, before rationing begins.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesUnder a flat rate cut of 10 per cent., there is bound to be 87W some contraction in retail delivery services, but in the letter I sent to every garage about the cut on 7th November, I indicated certain priorities to be observed, one of which was wholesale food collection and distribution. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture is aware of no case where the cut of 10 per cent. has resulted in customers being unable to get food.