43. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can now state if there will be a reduction in the price of petrol per gallon following the termination of the petrol pool.
§ Mr. RobensMy right hon. Friend has no evidence at present that the dissolution of the Petroleum Board by itself would justify a reduction in the price of petrol. The prices of all petroleum products depend upon the costs of importation and distribution. The possible effect on prices of recent changes in these costs is at present under discussion between my Department and representatives of the distributing oil companies.
Mr. De la BèreMay I ask the Minister why, in view of the fact that there has been a substantial reduction in the cost of fuel oil in all parts of the world, it is only in this country that no reduction can be made? Why is it that we never know where we stand under the present Government?
§ Mr. RobensIn reply to the latter part of the question, I might suggest that it is the incapacity of the hon. Gentleman to understand many of the things said in this House. In regard to the cost of fuel oils, the price of gas oils and of other fuel oils has been reduced. The hon. Gentleman's Question. however, was about petrol.
Mr. De la BèreI want to know where we stand. I am vexed about this, and I am not going to be put off.