asked the Minister for Energy how many newspaper insertions, and at what cost, were used to publicise the distribution of petrol rationing coupons ; and how many newspaper insertions, and at what cost, were used to publicise power control regulations.

In order to publicise the distribution of petrol coupons 310 newspaper insertions were used at a cost of £285,638. This helped successfully to ensure the issue of over 15·2 million basic ration books and the issue of business rations, with a minimum of trouble. The introduction of the various power control regulations, particularly the three-day order, affected the whole of industry and commerce, so it was necessary to obtain the widest publicity possible, 134 insertions costing £183,029 were used.