§ 63. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Labour to what extent he estimates the 3 per cent. increase in costs for private motorists and the 4 per cent. increase in costs for bus companies and transport operators, as a result of the 2d. a gallon rise in petrol charges, will increase the cost of living.
§ Mr. HattersleyIt is estimated that the rise of 2d. a gallon in the prices of petrol used by private motorists will raise the retail prices index by rather less than one-tenth of one per cent. How far it may prove necessary for bus companies and transport operators to pass on their increased costs in higher charges would depend partly on the period for which the increase operates and partly on how far the increase can be absorbed by greater efficiency.