Oral Answers to Questions — Petrol Rationing

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 30 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Robert Grimston Mr Robert Grimston , Westbury 12:00, 30 Ionawr 1947

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, having regard to the fact that in assessing the proportion of petrol requirements available from sterling sources the British Empire is treated as a whole, he will say how the level, of petrol rationing in the United Kingdom compares to that obtaining in other parts of the Empire.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

In those parts of the Empire where petrol rationing is still in force, the rationing schemes provide for, approximately, the same level of consumption as in the United Kingdom.

Photo of Mr Robert Grimston Mr Robert Grimston , Westbury

Can the Minister say in which parts of the Commonwealth there is no petrol rationing at the present moment?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

In Canada and the Union of South Africa.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr District of Burghs

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the ratio between the quantity of petrol imported into this country during the month of December, 1946, and the quantity of petrol consumed during the same period.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

November is the latest month for which statistics are available of the consumption of petrol in the United Kingdom. In that month the imports of petrol represented 70 per cent. of consumption.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr District of Burghs

In view of that figure and the reserves of petrol which the right hon. Gentleman knows we now have in the country, surely the right hon. Gentleman can at last bow to the general public demand to take off the ration?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

When I am satisfied that we can be assured of consistent imports I will be prepared to consider the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.