HL Deb 29 January 1987 vol 483 cc1459-60

3.20 p.m.

Lord Strathcarron

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Goverment whether they will encourage the oil companies to declare the date on which any particular petrol sales promotion is due to end.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, this is a matter for the oil companies, but I am sure they will be sensitive to any concern my noble friend may have.

Lord Strathcarron

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. Does he agree that when motorists have saved up their vouchers for a particular item only to be told that the promotion ended yesterday, they feel they have been unfairly treated? That would not be the case if the completion date was clearly displayed, preferably on the poster itself.

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, when marketing petrol the oil companies will no doubt be concerned about their customers' reactions. I am sure they will take into account my noble friend's comments. If he is worried about a particular promotion he may wish to write to the chairman of the oil company concerned.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, is the Minister aware that oil companies' promotions, particularly with regard to sales, are rather extraordinary? When the price of oil goes down, it is a long time before petrol prices are reduced. We are told—the Government have told us from the Front Bench—that it is because of the stocks that are at the pumps. But when the price of oil goes up overnight they put up the prices of petrol? What is the reason?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I think the noble Lord should write to the chairman of the company concerned. The Question is about promotions. I understand that the unit cost of petrol sales promotions is generally very small and they seem to be popular with the motorist. But that again is a matter for the commercial judgment of the companies involved.

Lord Paget of Northampton

My Lords, does not the noble Viscount feel it may be more effective if he writes to the companies?

Viscount Davidson

No, my Lords.

Lord Swansea

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that many motorists find it a nuisance to have their cars cluttered with vouchers of one sort or another and that they may prefer to have the option of paying a little less for their petrol?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, if my noble friend would like to meet me outside the Chamber, I shall tell him what to do with his vouchers.