FUEL RESERVES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 262, 3 August 1939, Page 9

FUEL RESERVES

Comprehensive Plans In Britain CONTROL OF PETROL (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 1. In view of the vital importance of petrol in war comprehensive plans have been prepared by the Government for the maintenance of supplies, the accumulation of reserves, organization of sea transport and inland distribution, and for control of the price. A statement on these plans was made in the House of Commons today. It included an assurance that reserves of petroleum products had already been greatly increased. It was further stated that investigations into the possibility of wider use of substitute fuels in war-time are in progress.

Special arrangements are being made for meeting the requirements of fire brigades, ambulance and A.R.P. services. To provide for these and other essential needs, and to ensure that the paramount demands of the fighting services are met in all circumstances, it will be important to regulate the use of petrol, Diesel oil. and other petroleum products. Goods and passenger vehicles will be rationed through an organization set up by the Minister of Transport to regulate the use of such, vehicles in wartime, and, after due notice, Hie rationing scheme will lie introduced in the case of all private ears. Already 7,500,000 rationing books for this purpose have been printed, as well as more than 35,000,000 petrol coupons for issue should the occasion arise.

In the case of petroleum products other than motor fuels, supplies to Industrial users will be regulated by a priority system designed to ensure that in the event of a temporary shortage the available supplies will be directed to those firms whose activities in wartime are of the greatest importance to the nation.