§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she is aware that many smaller petrol retailers, especially in rural areas like Suffolk, are at present trading at a near net loss because of the absence of viable margins between the costs of obtaining and selling petrol and permitted retail prices; and if she will urge the Price Commission to speed up its inquiry into these margins and meanwhile authorise an interim adjustment sufficient to enable those garages to stay in business.
§ Mr. MaclennanI must make it clear that my right hon. Friend is not directly responsible for increases in petrol margins. Statutory responsibility lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Price Commission is working with all possible speed on the petrol margin inquiry.