HC Deb 17 December 1956 vol 562 cc91-2W
16. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to arrange for the compulsory return of an appropriate number of petrol ration coupons in all cases where motor cars are not re-licensed for the first three months of 1957.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow, East (Mr. J. Harvey) on 3rd December last.

32. Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that many applications for supplementary petrol by persons living in remote areas unserved by train or omnibus are not being considered with sufficient sympathy by his petroleum officers; and whether he will consider issuing a further instruction in the matter.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I fully appreciate the difficulties of those living in the more remote parts of the country, and my regional officers will take them into account in considering claims for extra allowances required to avoid serious loss of production, livelihood or other exceptional hardship.

33. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many Members of Parliament have applied for basic petrol ration; how many for supplementary ration; and how many have been refused the latter.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I do not know how many Members of the House have applied for the basic ration as not all of them have used the House of Commons Post Office, but 365 have applied to the Fees Office for supplementary allowances; and in each case some supplementary allowance has been granted.

Sir A. Bossom

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, to prevent unemployment in the architectural profession and the building industry, he will give consideration to the allocation of petrol for architects and building superintendents for indispensable visits to the sites of projected building and those buildings actually under construction.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

My Regional petroleum officers will consider applications from self-employed professional people whose livelihood would otherwise be substantially affected. In other cases, it will be for the employer to decide how his block allowance can best be allocated in the interests of maintaining production and employment.

Miss Vickers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to consider an allocation of petrol for men and women of Her Majesty's Forces who will be returning to Great Britain for their leave.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Members of Her Majesty's Forces who own cars are, of course, entitled to the basic ration, but present circumstances are different from those obtaining during the war and I do not think that special allowances to members of Her Majesty's Forces on leave would be justified.