§ 15. Mr. F. Beswickasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what reasons led him to permit the recent increases in the price of petrol.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydThe increase of one farthing per gallon was authorised because of increased costs of distribution in this country.
§ Mr. BeswickAlthough that increase was small, it was the second one in three or four months. Could the Minister say why he permits, in the increased production costs, the wasteful method of transportation by four or five distributing companies who are distributing the same type of petrol in one area?
§ Mr. BeswickBut that increase of cost in going back to the old methods of distribution has, in fact, caused the companies to apply for this increase in permitted prices.
§ Mr. LloydNo, Sir. The increase to which the hon. Gentleman was referring was due to the higher wages and the increases in road transport costs due to the increased petrol tax in the last Budget.
§ Mr. BeswickMay we have an assurance from the Minister that the increased costs of distributing one type of petrol under four or five different brands will not be allowed as a reason for further increases in price?
§ Mr. F. J. ErrollIs not it the case that the more competitive spirit now prevailing among petrol companies increases the efficiency of distribution?
§ Mr. George ChetwyndDo the increased distribution costs take into account moneys paid by the petrol companies to garage proprietors in order to get exclusive dealing in petrol, which is fairly considerable today?