asked the Secretary of State for Air, what instructions have been issued in his Department about the use of petrol for cleaning clothes, washing floors and hangars, and other similar purposes unconnected with the movement of aircraft and vehicles.

Instructions issued by my Department prohibit the use of petrol for cleaning purposes, except for such items as sparking plugs, oil filters and electrical equipment.

Is the Secretary of State aware that rumours still circulate in many parts of the country that petrol is being wasted on R.A.F. stations on washing floors and other purposes, and will he be sure that there is the utmost economy in the use of petrol and that the strictest of measures are taken against offenders in this respect?

The answer to the second part of the question is, "Yes, Sir"; as regards the first part, I would prefer facts to rumours.