§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieasked the Secretary of State for Transport what methods of monitoring prices and standards of service in garages and service stations on motorways are employed by his Department at present; and if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of such services.
§ Mr. Fowler[pursuant to his reply, 24 June 1981, c. 134]: Motorway service areas are run by commercial 311W companies, and their prices and quality of service are determined by commercial factors. Previous Administrations have attempted to influence these through inspections and financial concessions with very little effect. I have therefore pursued a different approach of stimulating competition and making consumers aware of the merits of different companies. I have given companies the opportunity to purchase new leases on commercial terms and am permitting them to display their names and petrol prices on the motorway signs. Already petrol prices at some service areas have come down to a level comparable to that of off-motorway garages. It is an encouraging sign that increased competition is beginning to work, and I am sure this will in the long run be far more effective in raising standards overall than the methods attempted in the past.