§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Transport what study he has made of the prices for petrol, catering, and other services at motorway service stations; what steps he is taking to bring motorway prices more into line with 244W retail prices generally; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 3 November 1980, c. 488]: The plans I have announced to sell the Government's interest in motorway service areas will increase competition between operators, stimulate competitive pricing and lead to a better service for the customer. Good progress has been made in the sales and I announced on 5 November in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdonshire (Mr. Major) that half the sites have been sold. Already petrol prices at some MSAs have dropped. When all the sales are completed operators will be able to compete freely on a range of services. But they will all be required to provide certain basic services such as free parking, free toilets and 24 hour food and petrol.