§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that petrol prices in Carlisle and Cumberland are higher than in some other parts of the country; and if he will refer this matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. FreesonMost petrol companies use three main groups of price zones, inner, outer and general, which reflect broadly the economics of distribution. The price differential for all grades of petrol increases in steps of ½d. a gallon from inner through to general zones, and as Carlisle and Cumberland are in a general zone I would expect prices there to be higher than in those parts of the country which are in inner or outer zones. I do not think that a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes would be justified.