H—44

SECTION S.—PETROL-RATIONING As a result of a request from Great Britain early in August, 1947, the Government agreed to reduce the Dominion's over-all petrol quota by 10 per cent. After the failure of voluntary efforts to achieve the required savings, petrol-rationing was reintroduced as from 15th November, 1947. To meet the wishes of the motoring public, the " permit " system was given a trial; under this arrangement the monthly quotas of each reseller were fixed on the basis of their sales over the corresponding period of the previous year, less 10 per cent. This system was not a success, particularly as many essential users could not obtain their requirements and the total consumption exceeded the agreed-upon limit. As from Ist March, 1948, the Government abolished the permit system and replaced it by a simplified form of coupon and licence rationing. To minimize staffing requirements a series of basic rations was introduced, and all appeals were referred to Wellington ; during March it was estimated that over thirty thousand appeals were received, and the bulk of them were dealt with before the end of the financial year. This system ensured that uniform decisions applied throughout the country and set a standard of allowances for the guidance of all Sub-district Oil Fuel Controllers. During April local Oil Fuel Controllers were given authority to deal with appeals in the first instance, and this change in procedure has led to a system which is operating with the minimum inconvenience to the business and farming community.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; 1,078 printing ( copies), £BB.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1948.

Price is.]

42