§ Mrs. RoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from independent petrol retailers about allocation of supplies of petrol under contingency plans for rationing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanI have received one such representation which is now receiving attention. Under the allocation schemes which the Department could activate in the event of fuel shortage there is no differentiation between retail outlets operated by the oil companies and those of independent operators. Both would be subject to the same restrictions on their supplies.
There are ample oil supplies at present. The International Energy Agency has, in addition, brought into effect a contingency plan which will make available an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil per day to the market. This should further reassure the market and the public that, if shortages do occur, additional supplies will be available.