HC Deb 07 July 1942 vol 381 cc620-1
16. Mr. Glenvil Hall (for Mr. Gallacher)

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for West Fife from a purchaser of petrol declaring that he pays 9d. for a 2-oz. bottle of petrol for a pocket lighter, which amounts to a rate of £2 8s. per gallon; and why is this petrol sold at such a high cost?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir. I have asked the London Price Regulation Committee to investigate this case, and I will inform the hon. Member of any action that is taken.

Mr. Hall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a complete ramp and that in almost every shop the price charged for petrol is prohibitive?

Mr. Dalton

This is a particular case which I have undertaken to have investigated. If my hon. Friend can give me information on a wider scale, I shall be obliged.

Mr. Hall

My point is that it is common knowledge everywhere that this is going on. Will not my right hon. Friend look into the matter generally?

Mr. Dalton

The Question asked me to look into a particular case, and I have made an offer to look into anything further that my hon. Friend gives me.