PETROL CONCESSIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 23696, 2 October 1940, Page 2

PETROL CONCESSIONS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I read your sub-leader on the above with considerable interest, albeit distrust in the optimistic view which you have taken. The satisfaction to motorists and to those engaged in the industry will be felt aud appreciated when the proposed increase suggested (if the expected reserves are in hand by the end of October) is an actual fant Recent events have shown that the ice cut by the Minister of Supply, when conflicting with the policy of the Minister of Finance, is extremely thin. It is also to be noted that the reference to an increase applies solely to private errs. What has happened to trade vehicles? Don’t they matter? Or is it that commerce is content to shullle along in the hopes of picking up some leavings from the table of the Automobile Association ? Looking out from the inside of the station, it looks as if the agitated private owner is to bo placated—his noise is getting too loud; but I would impress upon the private car owner, believe it when you see it. I may sound, and perhaps am, bigoted, but with the knocks which 1 have suffered no other outlook can be held, and until such time as an honest, unequivocal statement is made by a Minister with authority, I will place no reliance in any “ perhaps ” statement made by the Minister of Supply. I make no apology; my remarks are guided by bitter experience; and you display the same doubt when you state that Mr Nash in his statements at various times was vague to the point of obscurity. Concerning another aspect affecting the industry, import restrictions prohibit the importation of motor vehicles for a full year. Some dealers hold a small stock of commercial vehicles with which they hoped to continue in business for a time at least, but now the order has been received from the powers that be: “ We want those vehicles for war purposes, thank you!”’ The only question I can ask is: What now, little man, what now?—l am, etc., Reseller. October 2.