asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the hardships caused to the many small industrial users of kerosene, such as painters and plumbers, who, having failed to register as required with his Department by June 1st, 1941, cannot since obtain their necessary supply of oil; and if, in view of the consequent curtailment of their employment, he will now reconsider applications to register from the above classes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Users of Kerosene.
I am aware that many industrial users of kerosene have suffered hardship by their failure to make timely application for registration under the Emergency Powers (Kerosene Rationing) Order, 1941. The Order came into force on the 25th April, 1941, and persons requiring supplies for industrial use were required to register with the Department by the 1st June, 1941; but, in practice, all applications for registration received up to the 31st July, 1941, were allowed. Registration of any application since received has similarly been allowed where the delay in making application has been shown to have been unavoidable. I am prepared to continue this procedure, but, in view of the facilities already provided for registration, I am not prepared to re-open the register generally.