§ 37. Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what representations she has received about the rising cost of holidays in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Alan WilliamsI have received no general representations. However, individual complaints about price increases are a matter for the Price Commission.
§ Mr. LuceDoes that not indicate how remote the Department is on these matters? As the cost of holiday-making is increasing at a rapid rate, does the hon. Gentleman agree that the Government could take a considerable amount of action to alleviate the situation? For example, petrol prices have increased by 65 per cent. in the last 12 months. Will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reverse his Budget decision and, when he comes to the mini-Budget, to reduce the price of petrol to help holiday-makers?
Mr. WilliamsThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the massive increase in the price of petrol was due to factors outside this and the previous Government's control. I am sure that he would not expect this Government to accept responsibility for changes in world oil prices. However, the hon. Gentleman is free to make whatever representations he wishes to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.