§ Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give his latest estimate of the stocks of naphtha anticipated for end-January with comparative figures for end-January 1973; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SmithI am not prepared to speculate on the future level of stocks, which for various reasons fluctuate from month to month; for example, demand is subject to seasonal and other fluctuations, and the level and product mix of refinery output are also variable. Thus monthly estimates are liable to be misleading and I am, therefore, not prepared to make a statement in present circumstances.