42. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the oil industry in this country bases its prices on an index of Gulf prices; and whether, since the bulk of the oil is obtained elsewhere, he will institute price control on petrol and oil so as to protect the motorist and public transport services against excessive prices.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksOil is largely an international trade and it is unavoidable that United Kingdom prices should be influenced by the Western Hemisphere market; with regard to the second part of the Question, competition provides the protection against excessive prices.