HC Deb 02 May 1961 vol 639 cc1109-11
18. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the President of the Board of Trade who serves on the Board of Trade Committee

Mr. Hughes

Does not the right hon. Gentleman distinguish between oil from British Commonwealth sources, from British colonial sources and from completely foreign sources? If so, on what principle does he act?

Mr. Erroll

For the purpose of answering this Question, I was dealing with import licensing arrangements, and I said that only oil from the Eastern area has to be specially licensed.

Following is the information: The countries comprising the Eastern Area are: Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Germany (Soviet Zone), Hungary, North Korea, North Vietnam, People's Republic of China, Poland, Roumania, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Imports of fuel and lubricating oils (the only oils imported from these countries for industrial purposes) during each of the last five years were as follows:

now considering resale price maintenance; and whether it includes representatives from the Consumer Advisory Council or others competent to present the consumers' viewpoints.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Niall Macpherson)

The inquiry into resale price maintenance is being carried out by officials. They have been in touch with various consumer organisations.

Mrs. McLaughlin

But is not my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable worry in the country that the consumers' point of view will not be put forward from all angles? May we have an assurance that the consumers' angle and not only the manufacturers' angle is being thoroughly investigated?

Mr. Macpherson

It is open to consumers and consumers' organisations to put their views to my right hon. Friend. He has given instructions that all views put to him should be considered in the course of the inquiry.