§ Mr. Aspinwallasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the availability of supply of paraffin oil for domestic use in the Bristol area.
§ Mr. GrayWe are, of course, concerned that adequate stocks of paraffin should be built up against next winter's demand in Bristol as elsewhere, and shall be keeping a close watch on the position.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the outcome of his review of price controls over premium paraffin.
§ Mr. David HowellI have now completed my review of the effect of price controls over premium paraffin and the willingness of suppliers to continue in business. To ensure continuity of supply I 205W have decided to discontinue price controls forthwith and an order revoking the Paraffin (Maximum Retail Prices) Order 1976 and its amending orders has been laid before the House today. There will, inevitably, be an immediate increase in the price of this fuel to reflect recent increases in OPEC prices. But I have received assurances from the companies who manufacture this fuel that their prices will reflect only the additional cost of supply over the standard grade of burning oil.