§ Mr. Barnesasked the Secretary for Mines whether the increase of 2d. per gallon in the price of petrol is being retained by the Petroleum Board or whether any proportion of this increase is being shared with the retail garages; and if the increase, approximating to 33⅓ per cent., is being retained by the Pool Board, will he state the reasons for this advance?
§ Mr. LloydThe recent increase in the price of petrol of 2d. per gallon did not include any increase in the amount allowed to the retail garages. The principal reasons for the increase in price were increases in the f.o.b. cost of petrol and higher freights, including the cost of war risks insurance.