HC Deb 21 December 1960 vol 632 cc1292-3
34. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent under his regulations motorists are prevented from buying British petrol from stations on the M.1.

Mr. Marples

There are no regulations preventing motorists from buying British petrol at the two service areas on the M.1. Petrol marketed by a British oil group is now on sale at both.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the Minister aware that it was about a year before Shell or B.P. sold any petrol at all there, and that it was necessary to buy American petrol because there was no other available? Was that part of the campaign to help the dollar or was it merely due to incompetence on the part of Shell and B.P.?

Mr. Marples

I will not go so far as to allege that. The Shell people and the service stations had difficulties over negotiations. Who was to blame I do not know, but that has now been solved, because British petrol is now on sale.