asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the serious position which some lorry owners in County Meath find themselves in by an Order cutting off their petrol allowance owing to a technical offence in connection with turf drawing; and if he will substitute legal proceedings in such cases, instead of revoking permits, and thus give the persons concerned a chance of earning their living by their lorries, which are so necessary in the transport of fuel at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revocation of Petrol Permits.
I am not aware of any cases in which petrol allowances for turf haulage have been withdrawn from lorry owners for technical offences. I am aware that in certain cases in County Meath such allowances have been withdrawn from persons who had furnished applications and logsheets which were found on investigation to be incorrect in material respects and who had used the petrol so obtained for an unauthorised purpose. In present circumstances the misuse of petrol is a serious matter and—apart from any question of legal proceedings—I am not prepared to make further petrol allowances available to these person.