Consumption of Petrol

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23055, 25 June 1940, Page 8

Consumption of Petrol

A few days ago the Minister' for Supply heavily stressed the fact that the Government must protect the Dominion’s reserves of petrol. They are vital to its security; and the sources 'of supply are at least 3000 miles away. Yesterday, addressing the council of the Canterbury Automobile Association, the Minister for National Service took up the same argument. ■ The Dominion cannot be sure of replenishing its stocks of petrol at need. It can obtain petrol only as and when there are ships to- bring it, and when there is petrol to be sent. In between dispatch and arrival lie the risks of enemy [action a< sea; and their reality has now been (strongly impressed on the country. These are grave reasons for cafe to maintain maximum stocks and prevent all unnecessary use of petrol; and Mr Semple joined Mr Sullivan in appealing for voluntary action to reduce con-sumption-still further. Mr Sullivan, asking for an immediate reduction, said that he did not wish to lower the present allowance but would have to do so if consumption did not fall, Mr Semple also begged motorists to impose further restrictions on themselves. The Ministers will undoubtedly obtain a wide and prompt response. The council of the Canterbury Automobile Association has supported them in an appeal to its members, and every other motoring organisation may be expected to take the same course. But it is difficult to see why the (direct and certain method of securing the required reduction -is not adopted at once, Mr [Sullivan has shown that the present restrictions, in seven months, have saved 12,000,000 (gallons, or the equivalent of four shipments iand a total of nearly 1,400,000 in dollar exchange. The Government knows how much (further consumption should fall ■to protect present reserves and give the greatest possible iineasure of security for the future. It should (be able to estimate, accurately enough, the reduced ration which will assure the required (results. The country readily accepted rationing When it was understood that dollars had - to be. [saved. It will accept severer rationing when it j understands that, while it is important to save dollars, it is imperative to save the Dominion I from the military risks of a shortage of petrol. Nobody is afraid of compulsory measures today, when compulsion is the surest guarantee of swift and certain results. • . /