§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy on the continuance of Paraffin Maximum Price Orders in the light of the fact that 218W the price of paraffin—inner zone—has risen from 21.5p a gallon under S.I., 1973, No. 2188 to 43p a gallon under S.I., 1976, No. 1840, an increase of over 100 per cent.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe increase in the cost of imported crude oil since December 1973 of over 200 per cent. is the main reason for the increase in price of all oil products. Our price control policy on paraffin is to keep increases in the maximum retail price to the minimum consistent with ensuring security of supply and is kept under review.