asked the Secretary for Mines what allowance of petrol has been given to the staff and area organisers of the National Milk Publicity Council; and whether, in view of the fact that the work of this body is now largely superfluous, he will arrange to have these allowances revised in a downward direction?

As the staff and area organisers will have applied individually to the divisional petroleum officers in all parts of the country, it is not possible for me at the present time to state what total allowance of petrol has been given. Under their instructions, however, the divisional petroleum officers will have considered to what extent the need of these applicants for petrol is essential in present circumstances. Moreover, applications for supplementary allowances have to be renewed periodically and are subject to review in the light of the circumstances existing at the time.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether in view of the inconvenience and injury caused to business by the rationing of petrol, he has made inquiries to what extent methane gas can be used as a substitute; whether large quantities of this gas are available at a cheap price; what amount of methane gas is already used for industrial purposes; and whether he has considered the opinion of the editor of "Chemical Products" on this matter and with what result?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards).

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that local authorities are approached in the matter?

Yes, Sir.