§ 4. Mr. Shortasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the increasing prices of petrol; and whether he will appoint a committee to make inquiry as to whether there is profiteering, or otherwise?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware that there have been two increases, each of ½d. per gallon, in the price of petrol during the present year. The price of this commodity has fluctuated in recent years, and I see no necessity for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the matter.
§ Mr. ShortIn the interests of consumers, will the hon. and gallant Member consider the appointment of a price tribunal, before which the petrol companies would have to justify any increase in the price of petrol?
§ Mr. G. HardieIs the Secretary for Mines not aware of the fact that the refusal to disclose the price at which home-produced petrol can be made gives the opportunity to other firms who import oil to raise prices?
§ Captain CrookshankI have just said that I do not see any necessity for the appointment of a committee at the present 1808 time. There have been two increases in price, but it is not as high as it has been in the past?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsCan the Minister tell us to what price petrol will have to rise before he will make an inquiry?