asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the trivial consumption of petrol for the purpose and the unnecessary trouble caused both to the invalids and to officials by the filling-up of special forms, he will authorise the sale of petrol to owners of mechanical invalid chairs without coupons.

I am afraid that it would not be practicable to allow a particular class of consumer to buy petrol without coupons, however small that class may be.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is not practicable?

There are various reasons why not. I could not enter into details at this moment, but the arrangement for supplying petrol to this deserving class of person is very simple in character. If any difficulty should arise, perhaps the hon. Member would inform me, and I would do my best to help him.