asked the Minister for Supplies whether, in view of the disemployment of workers caused by the curtailment and stoppage of petrol supplies, he is in a position to indicate what supplies will be available in the immediate future.
Private Notice Question. - Petrol Supplies.
The Deputy will, no doubt, have seen the announcement, published to-day, that allowances of petrol are being made available, for the balance of the present month, to owners of commercial goods vehicles. Apart from this announcement I am not at present in a position to add anything to the public statements I have already made concerning future supplies of petrol.
I am sure the Minister is aware of the fact that there has been considerable unemployment in the motor trade, both in garages and in private employment, that the motor industry generally is bewildered at the absence of any information indicating what supplies of petrol will be available for the future. In order to steady employment in the industry, would he endeavour to make an announcement at an early date so as to save employment for many persons who are in danger of losing employment in the absence of any reliable information as to the future petrol position?
I am afraid it is not going to be possible at any stage to give definite information concerning future supplies of petrol. The most we can do at any time is to indicate the supplies that will be available for a limited period ahead.
Is it possible even now for the Minister to make any statement indicating what supplies will be available, say, for the month of March? Even that might have a steadying effect on employment in the industry.
The announcement made this morning, to which I have referred, intimated that a statement as to the supply position in March will be made at an early date.
Will the Minister endeavour to make that statement as soon as possible because, judging by the position in the industry, a large number of persons will lose employment unless the position can be steadied by some authoritative statement by the Minister?
Is the Minister aware that what the people want most is a statement from the Minister as to what steps he is taking to try to improve the supply of petrol here?
Will the Minister consider stating to car owners of all classes in this country that his advice would be to hang on to their cars to the end of this month and that in the meantime he will go to London himself and there meet his Ministerial opposite?
That is a separate question.
Based upon an entirely false assumption.
If he did that, a lot of men's jobs could be saved.
Might I have an answer to my question, Sir? I asked the Minister did he understand what the people really want is a statement from him as to what steps exactly he is taking to see the petrol supply here is increased.
The Minister is probably aware of the fact that statements have been made to the effect that petrol supplies have been received in this country during the past few weeks. Would the Minister say (1) whether that is so; (2) what quantity of petrol is being received, and (3) whether it is likely to ease the position with respect to the month of March?
The quantity of petrol received in this country this month, so far, is not likely to result in any improvement during the month of March.
Is the Minister going to do anything about it, or is he trying to do anything about it?
The Deputy can assume that is so.