asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether he proposes to increase at an early date the allowance of petrol to motorists; and if he is aware that the present allowance is not regarded as sufficient to warrant the registration and insurance of many motor vehicles at present lying idle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Petrol Ration.
The supply position does not at present permit of any increase in existing allowances.
Is the supply position in connection with petrol primarily due to world scarcity of that commodity or to scarcity of hard currencies here wherewith to pay for supplies which are available?
The Deputy should give notice of a question of that kind.
Surely the Minister should tell us the reason why the supply position does not permit of an increase in the allowances.
I have not refused to do so, but, as a matter of courtesy, the Deputy should give notice of a question of that kind.
The question arises out of the question put by Deputy Byrne. He asked the Minister if he proposed to increase the allowance of petrol at an early date. Doubtless, the Minister considered that question and made up his mind that he could not do what Deputy Byrne asked. He must have had some reason for that decision but he just will not tell us the reason. He is a charming, gentlemanly creature and his manners grow better every day.