I stated to-day in reply to a question about petroleum supplies that there was every indication that we would have to face some reduction in supplies. Since then, I have learned that the British Minister of Fuel and Power has announced an immediate reduction of 10 per cent. in deliveries of petroleum products in Great Britain. As Deputies are, no doubt, aware, the great bulk of our supplies reach us from British refineries and while, as I indicated to-day, the situation regarding future supplies for this country is still uncertain, I feel that prudence demands that, in order to conserve supplies to meet an uncertain future, an immediate reduction in deliveries here should be enforced.
I have accordingly requested the petroleum companies to put into effect immediately a cut of 10 per cent. in their deliveries of all petroleum products. The companies have undertaken to comply with this request which will come into operation forthwith.
I would emphasise that this arrangement is a precautionary measure, the need for which arises from the fact that, for some time to come, we are unlikely to obtain our full requirements of petroleum products. I mentioned earlier to-day that O.E.E.C. has the whole matter of petroleum supplies under review and that, from their consideration of the matter, there is likely to emerge a scheme for the equitable distribution of available supplies amongst member countries. I am, of course, keeping in close touch with these developments and will make further announcements from time to time according as the situation requires.
Meanwhile, I would appeal to all users of petroleum products to exercise the strictest economy in the use of the products so as to reduce consumption by at least 10 per cent. I am sure that there is ample scope for such economies and that the implementation of them should impose no hardship on any section of the community. I would also appeal to retail distributors to co-operate in the carrying out of these arrangements by distributing the reduced supplies equitably amongst consumers.
I sincerely hope that no one will attempt, for selfish reasons, to try to get more than his fair share of the available supplies. Should this happen, however, or should the supply position deteriorate, it may be necessary to introduce drastic restrictions. It is, therefore, in the interests of every citizen and of the country generally, that all concerned should co-operate fully with the Government and with the distributors in securing the smooth operation of this relatively mild restriction.
