HEAVY DEMAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 4

HEAVY DEMAND.

PETROL SITUATION. • WARNING BY MINISTER. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 22. A Avarning that because of the heavy European demand resulting from dislocated raihvay systems, the petrol position might become a little tighter in the immediate future had been received within the last 24 hours, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan stated in the House today Avhen amplifying his reply to a question regarding the cancellation of petrol licences under five gallons. The Minister said he did not expect that New Zealand would be asked to revert to the original allocation. Mr J. Acland Avho, Avith Mr W. S. Goosman, had asked the question, said that the licences had been granted for a definite purpose and it seemed unfair that they should not have the advantage of the increase in the value of coupons. Mr Sullivan said the cancellation of small licences Avas a condition imposed by the authorities allocating petrol to the United 'Nations and Avas not the action of the New Zealand Government. The question had been taken up with those authorities more intensively since peace had been made with Japan. He could not give an assurance that the licences would be restored, but he was entirely sympathetic. The position of tyres Avas also affected by the heavy European demand, and it had been stated that there Avas unlikely to be u substantial improvement in the rubber position for a year or 18 months, but Avithin the last 24 hours a statement, had been made in America that tbere was a possibility of a substantial improvement this year.