§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what talks he has held with the petrol companies concerning their proposals to close all petrol outlets 24W in rural areas of Wales which sell less than 75,000 gallons of petrol a year; and what action he intends to take.
§ Mr. GrayI am not aware of any such plans by the oil companies. As I said on 1 November 1979 in reply to the hon. Member's related question—Official Report, c. 625—the oil companies concerned have given assurances that they will continue to supply small outlets who wish them to do so while alternative sources of supply are being sought. If filling stations are unable to find alternative suppliers, and other petrol stations are not available within a reasonable distance, the companies have indicated that they will be prepared to consider longer term arrangements to ensure reasonable availability of petrol supplies in rural areas.