Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Transport whether, under her new policy of permitting monopolistic or solus operation of motorway service sites by petrol companies, she proposes to permit monopoly of petroleum products other than fuel, such as lubricants, in view of the recommendation of the Monopolies Commission to the contrary.
§ Mr. CarmichaelNo.
Dr. Bennettasked the Minister of Transport what steps she has taken to inquire into the unanimity with which petrol companies refused to tender for the concession at Woolley Edge, M1, on a multi-brand basis; what evidence she has found of an agreed policy in this matter; how many, and which, firms have now responded to her renewed invitation to tender on the monopolistic or solus basis.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe have no evidence to support these allegations. As to the 383W Second part of the Question, the tendering period does not expire until 14th December.