asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that garage owners have been given service discs for cars, but have not been given any petrol allowance, and if in view of the absolute necessity of providing locomotion for breakdown services he will forthwith make an allowance of petrol to garage owners.

Garage owners have not been given service discs for private cars, and consequently have not been given any petrol allowance for such cars. They have, however, been given for use during the current month an allowance of petrol for garage purposes on the same basis as in April. In addition, those of them who hold general and limited trade plates have been issued with discs, and with allowances of petrol on the same basis as in April for use in connection with the trade plates. It is understood that trade plates are used, inter alia, for providing transport for breakdown services.

Is that allowance likely to be continued?

I can give no promise on that score.

In the case of tractors that would have to be attended to by garage owners, it is important that that sort of service should continue.

If possible, it will be continued.

Does the Minister not realise the absolute necessity for some means of locomotion for garage owners who are called to attend to tractors? Many tractors cannot go on the roads, apart altogether from the time that might be wasted and the loss of economy in bringing them on the roads. Many of them have iron wheels or studded wheels and they could not be brought on the roads. It is absolutely essential for agricultural purposes to have a garage breakdown service in operation.

Petrol will be provided for the breakdown services as long as possible.