§ 93. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade how much profit the Government has made on their deal in petrol; and when companies will be able to import better spirit?
§ 94. Major WHELERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the petrol now sold to motorists is of a very inferior quality; whether any instructions have been issued that this bad petrol is to be sold before a better quality supply is issued for sale to motorists; and, if so, whether he will arrange for a reduction in price at once for this inferior petrol?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe accounts between the importing companies and the Government have not yet been settled, but the prices of petroleum products have throughout been fixed so as to balance as nearly as may be the cost to the Government after allowing for the freight payable to the Ministry of Shipping for tonnage supplied. All importations of petrol up to 31st January were on Government account, and the qualities imported were the standard U.S. specifications. On that date Government purchases ceased, and the petroleum companies have since been free to import on their own account, and the sale of petrol is in their hands.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAre the importing companies allowed to sell decent petrol, or are the Government insisting upon getting rid of this U.S.A. petrol?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThey are not allowed to do that.
§ Major WHELERDoes the hon. Gentleman realise the very inferior quality of this petrol?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have not seen it, but I have heard a good deal about it.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESIs it not a fact that the only petrol being sold is the Government petrol, of which they had large stocks when the War came to an end?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not think it would be right to say that is the only petrol being sold. There may be some of that still left.