Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade the date on which the price of petrol was decontrolled; what was the retail price then and what is the present price; whether there has been an increase or decrease in supplies in the in- 528W tervening period; whether the published statement that petrol is delivered to this country at 1s. 9½d. per gallon, inclusive of cost, insurance, freight, and the Government, tax of 6d., is approximately correct; whether petrol is included in the provisions of the Profiteering Act; and, if not, if this commodity will be brought within its scope?
§ Sir A. GEDDESAn Order made under the Profiteering Act on the 2nd October fixing maximum prices for motor spirit was revoked on the 14th October. There has been no change in prices, so far as I am aware, since that date. Stocks have slightly increased. The statement with regard to the cost of petrol delivered in this country appears to be approximately correct. Motor spirit has been declared an article to which the Profiteering Act applies.