HC Deb 19 February 1924 vol 169 c1510
16. Mr. EMLYN-JONES

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the recent increase in the price of petrol; and whether, in view of the necessity of supplies being available at reasonable prices, he will introduce legislation to prevent the exploitation of the public by the companies possessing a monopoly of the supply of petrol?

Mr. WEBB

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Mid Bedford on 14th February, a copy of which I am sending him.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman meantime do all that he can to encourage the manufacture of motor spirit from British coal?

Mr. WEBB

I shall be very glad to do all I can to encourage capital to develop British industry.

Mr. HARDIE

Seeing that we have in this country all the knowledge and facilities necessary to produce industrial alcohol which would compete with petrol, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this is done at once as there is no need for investigation?

Mr. WEBB

I am afraid that that would involve the use of Parliamentary powers, and I cannot at the moment say anything about Parliamentry powers.

Mr. HARDIE

May I point out that Parliamentary powers are not required?