§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on what further plans he has to help farmers to obtain fuel oil.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanThe operation of agricultural tractors, machinery and equipment in the production of food is a priority use for the allocation of fuel oil and action taken by my Department in collaboration with the oil industry should ensure that adequate supplies are available to meet farmers' essential needs.
§ Mr. Coombsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent the principle described as "fair share all round" adopted by some oil companies for rationing oil supplies conforms with the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanIt would be misleading to comment on this description in isolation from all the other factors bearing on Government policy towards international oil companies.
96W
Mr. Geraint Morganasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware of the effect upon industrial, business and agricultural enterprises in the Denbigh area that would result from the threatened discontinuance of fuel supplies to at least one local distributor by a major oil company with effect from 31st December 1973; and what steps he proposes to take to alleviate the situation.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanMy Department has been in touch with the Oil Industry Emergency Committee about the oil supply position in the Denbigh area and has been assured that arrangements are being made for deliveries of oil to the local distributor concerned to be maintained after the end of the year.