§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will seek to impose a legally enforceable maximum price for petrol during periods of shortage; and if he will make a statement
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give an assurance that he will not activate powers of price control over petrol under the Energy Act 1976 in order that the effects of the shortage of petrol may be minimised.
§ Mr. BennThe Government are watching the situation very closely. So far, few garages have run out of petrol and there have been only isolated reports of sharp price increases. Close monitoring will continue and I will not hesitate to use my powers to introduce price control if this becomes necessary during a period of shortage.