asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many applications for petrol allowances the Regional Petroleum Officer, Birmingham, has rejected after having required the applicants to license and insure their vehicles as a condition precedent to any consideration of such applications?

Such cases are not separately recorded, but I am told that they could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

What objection is there to telling applicants whether they will be able to get a petrol allowance before they license their vehicles?

I think a good indication is given by the Petrol Office if there is a prima facie case for the applicant getting an allowance, but as these cases do not exceed half-a-dozen I do not think the hon. Gentleman need worry very much.

Does it not involve a great waste of time?

No, Sir, none at all.