asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that oil companies are issuing petrol on a ration basis; whether this action was decided on after prior consultation with him, and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Rationing.
With the concurrence of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
On 13th March last, I made an Order directing the Revenue Commissioners to restrict during the period from 14th March to 19th May, the delivery for home use of spirits, unmanufactured tobacco, wine and hydrocarbon oils to the quantities which appeared to them to be reasonable having regard to the circumstances. This was a precautionary measure in view of the approaching Budget and was taken under the powers conferred on me by Section 18 of the Finance Act, 1939. In carrying out my direction, the Revenue Commissioners, broadly speaking, restricted the daily deliveries of these commodities to the average daily quantity taken by each trader in 1955. I have now revoked the Order of the 13th March and the restrictions imposed thereunder are terminated from to-day.