Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade, if the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, Limited, is interested in the recent increase in the price of petrol to 3s. 8½d. per gallon; if so, whether, in view of the fact that the Government has a financial interest in this company, he has taken any steps to satisfy himself that the increase is justified; and, if so, what was the nature of the steps taken?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThis company, through its subsidiary the British Petroleum Company, does a comparatively small business in petrol in this country,732W its operations in this product dating only from 1st November last. A Sub-Committee has been appointed under the Profiteering Act to investigate costs, prices and profits at all stages in respect of petrol, benzole and other motor fuels.