asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is prepared to associate with the Department in connection with the rationing of petrol an advisory committee representative of petrol companies, motor traders, and private owners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rationing of Petrol.
I am satisfied that no useful purpose would be served by an advisory committee constituted as proposed in the question. The Department, however, consulted with numerous bodies, representative of owners of private and other motor vehicles, in connection with the rationing proposals and the views of such bodies will continue to receive careful consideration.
Is the Minister in a position to tell us when the rationing for commercial travellers will be made public?
It need not necessarily be made public at all.
When will those people know what they are going to get?
Before the rationing scheme comes into operation.
asked the Minister for Supplies whether in view of the serious unemployment which will be caused by the proposed restriction in the sale of petrol to the motor trade and persons dependent directly or indirectly on the use of petrol for their employment, he will take steps to secure that an adequate supply of petrol will be obtained and the proposed restrictions relaxed.
I appreciate very fully the adverse consequences of a restriction in the consumption of petrol, and every effort will be made to secure adequate supplies. I hope the Deputy will not, however, under-rate the difficulties which have to be surmounted. The proposed restrictions will be modified at the earliest date on which the position in respect of supplies appears to justify that course.
Have any special steps been taken to obtain a direct supply of petrol from those countries that are outside the war area?
That is a separate question. I do not want to evade answering that in that way, but it would be a very difficult question to answer in a single sentence.
Deputy Costello asked if the Minister will take steps to secure that an adequate supply of petrol will be obtained and the proposed restrictions relaxed. Will the Minister say if during the discussion this afternoon he will be able to deal with the extent to which he has made inquiries into the possibility of getting direct supplies of petrol from countries that are not in the war area or affected by if?
I would not like to say that. The Deputy must remember that all the petrol storage facilities in the country are owned by private companies, which are themselves controlled by their parent organisations. He must also remember that there would be considerable administrative, practical and financial difficulties in purchasing petrol supplies otherwise than through the existing trade organisations.
May I ask if the Minister has discussed or proposes to discuss with the petrol companies here the question of their taking the initiative in this matter?
The question of obtaining supplies is being constantly discussed with the petrol companies operating here.