§ 43. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, to aid the movement for stabilising prices, he will ask the British Petroleum Company to give an undertaking not to increase the price of petrol during the next twelve months.
§ Sir E. BoyleNo, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWill the Minister bear in mind that in the case of this Government-owned company the Government have an opportunity of showing whether there is any sincerity in then-appeal for moderation in profits and dividends? Why are the Government so chary of setting an example in the case of an undertaking which is controlled by the Government and which has been showing handsome profits?
§ Sir E. BoyleAs I have said on a good many occasions, the Government do not interfere with the day-to-day operations of this company.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIn view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply——
§ Mr. SpeakerMrs. Castle.