§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to ensure that the price of unleaded petrol is contained to make its use attractive to private motorists; and if he will publish an analysis of the cost of this petrol throughout the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardMeasures taken in the Budget increased the tax advantage of unleaded over leaded petrol to more than 4 pence a litre (18.4p per gallon). The Government neither have nor seek the power to intervene directly in commercial price setting, but are determined to maintain a free market where the consumer is best served by unfettered competition between the oil companies. Pump prices of unleaded petrol at locations throughout the United Kingdom are published in thePetroleum Times energy report, copies of which are available in the Library.