§ 102. Mr. Ecclesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what evidence his inspectors suggested to clients of the White Horse Garage, Cherhill, that they have been offered petrol without coupons at a black market price of 6s. a gallon; and if he will instruct them to cease damaging the reputation of this garage.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMy officers have reason to believe that this garage has contravened the Motor Fuel Order, 1948, by supplying petrol without coupons. An inquiry has begun, but has, unfortunately, been delayed by the illness of one of the officers concerned. No publicity has been given to the inquiry and I have no evidence that the reputation of the garage has been damaged in any way. The investigating officers deny that they have ever spoken of a "black market price of 6s. a gallon" to any client of the garage; their statement is confirmed by a third party who was present at those interviews.