§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will consider the introduction of a maximum price for the retail sale of petrol in order to bring the United Kingdom into line with other countries belonging to the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GrayNo. Retail petrol prices in the United Kingdom are already among the lowest in the European Community.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the policy of his Department towards the development of a common policy on petrol pricing within the member States of the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GrayHer Majesty's Government continue to participate in discussions within the European Community on harmonisation of pricing principles and taxes on oil products, with the broad objective of developing measures to reduce Community dependence on oil. The market-determined petrol prices in the United Kingdom are likely already to be consistent with any agreement that might emerge from this exercise. The tax per gallon of petrol in the United Kingdom is rather below the average in other EC member States.