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Petroleum spirit can only be kept in pursuance of a
licence granted by the local authority with the following
exceptions, namely:—(I) When kept in separate vessels,
each containing not more than one pint, and the maximum
amount does not exceed three gallons; (2) when kept for
use on motor vehicles in accordance with the regulations
made by the Secretary of State, and the quantity kept in
each place of storage does not exceed 60 gallons.
Carbide of Calcium, to which the Petroleum Act applies,
may also be kept without a licence, provided the amount
does not exceed 281bs., and certain prescribed conditions
are complied with.
The number of premises licensed by the Council for
the keeping of petroleum spirit has steadily increased
during the last ten years, but the rate of increase has been
greatly accelerated during the last five years, consequent
upon the continued rapid development of motor transport.
The actual quantity of petroleum spirit which may be kept
on licensed premises has increased by nearly 82%, that is
from 31,478 gallons in 1924 to 57,225 gallons in 1928. The
amount of Carbide of Calcium which may be kept is 4,072lbs.
Most of the petroleum spirit is now kept in bulk in
underground storage tanks, and there are now installed in
the district no less than 80 of these tanks to which are connected
a similar number of petrol supply pumps of various
types. There are no movable arms connected to these pumps
which can be swung over the public footpath, and with three
exceptions, provision is made for motor vehicles to stand
on the licensees' private premises when obtaining a supply
of petroleum spirit from a pump.
Certain mixtures containing petroleum spirit, e.g.,
cellulose paint, rubber solution, etc., come within the Petroleum
Act. Three premises are now licensed for the keeping
of cellulose paint which is used for spraying motor car
bodies, and two premises for the keeping of spirit or
petroleum mixture used in the retreading of motor tyres.
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