asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give the total consumption of petrol for the latest convenient period as compared with the corresponding period before derationing.

In the 35 weeks from the 26th of May, 1950, to 25th of January, 1951, the deliveries of motor spirit by the bulk distributors of petroleum averaged 104,400 tons a week. That was 11,000 tons a week more than in the corresponding period of the year before.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of this increase is attributable to private motoring?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what arrangements he has made or is making to reintroduce the rationing of petrol.

No arrangements have been made to re-introduce petrol rationing. Shortly after petrol rationing was ended last May, instructions were given for a reserve supply of petrol ration books to be printed. This was done as an insurance against any future emergency that might arise.

Is it because there is abundance under free enterprise?