asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that grave abuse of the petrol rationing system exists, due to the illicit and profitable disposal of petrol coupons by owners of tractors, old vans and lorries; and, if so, whether, in view of this, he will take extreme measures, including if necessary derationing, in order to combat this evil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abuse of Petrol Rationing System.
I am aware that, over a long period, there has been an abuse of the petrol rationing system through the sale of petrol coupons by persons in the categories mentioned by the Deputy who, for one reason or another, purchase less petrol than their rations would enable them to purchase. It was in the knowledge that this abuse existed, and largely with the object of counteracting it, that I increased supplementary allowances recently for essential users of vehicles. To the extent to which the legitimate requirements of essential users can be met, there should be a reduction in the black-market in petrol. The supply position enables this process of adjustment of rations by reference to the needs of the users to be continued, and it is my hope that the result will be to end the abuses.
Can the Minister say what are the prospects of derationing?
At the moment I cannot say.
Is the Minister aware that if he derationed petrol on the 1st April next he would not sell one extra gallon?
Would the Minister indicate when he thinks it may be possible to take petrol off the ration?
I am not in a position to say that.
Is the Minister aware that it is the general opinion of those traders who handle petrol that there is sufficient petrol in the country to give every person all the petrol he will buy?
I know there are views held by people throughout the country to which I do not or could not subscribe.
The people in the trade know the facts.
They do not know the difficulties as well as I do.
That bears out what I have said.