§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many of the 26 officials of the rank of principal or above referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Melton on 15th January have practical experience of petroleum retailing outside the Civil Service.
§ Mr. John SmithOne official has had practical experience of petroleum retailing. Specialised advice is, however, available to my right hon. Friend on such matters from a number of sources outside the Civil Service.