asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to reports that oil and petrol supplies to Western Europe will be reduced by 20 per cent. as a result of the Middle East situation and, if so, whether he has considered the desirability of introducing rationing of oil and petrol at an early stage.

As a result of the deterioration in the supply position I regret to have to say that it is now inevitable that formal measures of rationing must be introduced for motor fuels and certain other petroleum products. The earliest practicable date by which the formal rationing arrangements can be made effective is the 1st January, 1957. I will make an announcement shortly as to the nature of the rationing arrangements. In the meantime, certain measures to restrict consumption will have to be adopted and these will be announced in the immediate future.

Can the Minister indicate whether the total reduction in the petrol supplies will be in the neighbourhood of 20 per cent., that is, the overall reduction in the national supplies?

That is not clear yet. Some of the rationing may involve cutting back by more than 20 per cent.

Is it not a fact that Deputy MaeBride has been all in favour of blocking the canal?

Could the Minister say at this stage whether the reduction in oil supplies will affect the production of electricity and will there be a ration— ing of electricity, due to the fact that the Coalition built oil-burning stations instead of something based on native fuel ?

For goodness' sake, shift the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis over to the Mansion House.