§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of the fact that the maximum price control on petrol is now being abolished, the reference to the Price Commission on dealers' margins is being maintained.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI have been asked to reply.
The reference made on 31st July instructed the Price Commission to consider retail margins on petrol having regard to the existence of statutory control on retail prices. Although this control is being removed I think it desirable that the commission should complete its inquiry and make its report. I am, therefore, today sending the commission a new reference, to take account of the new circumstances, the text of which is as follows:
Pursuant to paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 1 to the Counter-Inflation Act 1973, the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection instructs the Price Commission to examine and report on the level and adequacy of margins and discounts accruing to retailers from sales of motor fuel. The reference dated 31st July 1974 is withdrawn.