§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will bring forward legislation to prevent petrol filling stations from imposing a surcharge on the cost of goods sold under transactions by credit cards.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimIn its recent report on credit card franchise services the Monopolies and Mergers Commission took the view that it was against the public interest for credit card companies to impose restrictions on traders preventing them from charging different prices to credit card and non-credit card customers. At my right hon. Friend's request, the Director General is discussing with interested parties the steps to be taken following the report. I shall make an announcement when he has advised me of his conclusions. I am, of course, particularly concerned that where extra charges are levied by filling stations on credit card customers this should be made clear in advance.