§ 30. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration has been given, as an alternative to petrol rationing, to permitting on the roads on even dates only those cars with even registration numbers and on odd dates only those vehicles with odd registration numbers, while allowing on all days those who under a rationing system would be entitled to a supplementary allowance.
§ Mr. EmeryThe action suggested by my hon. Friend would certainly achieve savings in petrol consumption. Unlike a coupon rationing system, however, it would not allow the level of consumption to be varied in the light of the supply situation. Nor could special cases of hardship or essential use be properly catered for.
§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the fuel supply position and when he is likely to decide whether petrol will be rationed or not.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanI am keeping the supply position under continuous review but there is at present no justification for introducing petrol rationing.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what special arrangements he has in mind for rural areas in the event of petrol rationing being imposed.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe petrol rationing arrangements would be sufficiently flexible to cater for the essential needs of car users, including those in rural areas.