§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the number of deaths and serious injuries per mile, for each year since 1971, on (a) motorways, (b) dual carriageways, A roads, and (c) the Winchester bypass.
§ Mr. HoramThe following is the information requested:
representations he has received about the practice of garages selling part gallons of petrol at different rates per gallon than full gallons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclennanI have received a number of complaints about this practice, which I believe to be undesirable and unnecessary. I understand that it is not always practical to set the price computing mechanism at the lower price, and consequently a discount has to be applied. However, I see no good reason why this discount has to be limited to full gallons only, particularly where there is a large difference between the pump and discount prices. We intend shortly to review the operation of the Petrol Prices (Display) Order 1977, and unless, by that time, 467W there is a marked improvement, I propose to take steps to ensure that customers are fully aware of the price they are being asked to pay, whether for whole or part gallons of petrol. In the meantime, motorists should either avoid garages with quantity-related conditions of sale or, if they do use them, make sure that they purchase petrol only in full gallons and not by value or merely "filling up".