§ Mr. Silkinasked the Secretary for Mines what powers he has to control the price of petrol to the public; whether he approved or was consulted upon the two increases which have taken place since 1068W the war; and what justification there is for such increases?
§ Mr. LloydPowers to control the price of petrol are contained in Regulation 55 of the Defence Regulations, to which I would refer the hon. Member. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The factors which warranted the increases in price included the world price of petrol, changes in rates of exchange, freight rates and war risks insurance.