FUEL RATIONING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 113, 16 May 1942, Page 5

FUEL RATIONING

DIFFERENCE OVER METHOD IN BRITAIN London, May 14. The political correspondent of the Daily Express says that Sir William Beveridge, the Government's adviser , on coal, offered to resign and asked to! " be dissociated from a revised ration- • ing plan which the Government is con--1 sidering. Keen differences have arisen among ’ members of Cabinet over the method of fuel rationing. The decision to drop the Beveridge plan was taken a week ago, but it was decided to make another attempt to persuade the House J of Commons to accept the proposal be- ° for its abandonmnt was formally an- ’ nounced. Strong efforts are being made 1 to persuade Sir William Beveridge to ’ reconsider his decision. It is suggestp ed that Dr. Hugh Dalton’s position as B President of the Board of Trade is involved, because he made the passing of the Beveridge plan a personal issue. Interviewed in reference to the reports that he offered to resign as adviser to the Board of Trade, Sir William Beveridge said he had not held any post at the Board of Trade. “I was asked to report on fuel rationing, and made by report, and my work is finished,” he said, "There is no question of any disagreement with Cabinet or anyone else.” The Beveridge plan is based on the j need to include all important fuels. J such as coal, coke, gas, electricity, and paraffin, on a “points” system with inter: hangeable coupons. It is pro- ■] posed that rations be fixed by the as--3 sessment of present needs, that con- . sumers be registered with suppliers, and that distribi'Pon I-'- '’-"trolled. t