§ 82. Mr. Arbuthnotasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the retail price of petrol has recently been raised by a halfpenny per gallon, following the increase in price of crude oil in the United States of America, notwithstanding the fact that over 90 per cent. of Britain's crude oil supply is imported from the Middle East, where there has been no recent increase in price; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksMy right hon. Friend is aware of the recent increase in the price of motor spirit but he does not consider this calls for any statement on his part. He announced on 27th April the ending of control over prices of petroleum products. My hon. Friend may also have noted that within the last few days the prices of crude oil from the Middle East have in fact increased.