§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on what dates the Undertakings regarding Retail Petrol Suppliers in the United Kingdom 1966 have been amended, and to what effect; and if she will make a statement. [31701]
§ Mr. Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 2 March 1998]: The 1966 undertakings, given by petrol suppliers following a 1965 Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of petrol, have been amended three times.
On 16 August 1968, the constraint limiting the acquisition of company-owned stations was removed.
On 13 August 1976, provisions were introduced for the settling of certain disputes by reference to arbitration, and to ensure proposed licence renewal were on terms that were fair and reasonable.
On 12 January 1994, restrictions on tying retailers to particular brands of lubricants, kerosene or anti-freeze products were lifted. In respect of company-owned petrol stations, all other tying restrictions on non-oil goods and restrictions on suppliers taking commission on sales by licensee retailers were lifted.
§ Mr. Boswell. To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) at what temperatures refined petrol should be delivered by wholesalers to retail petrol outlets; and if comparable arrangements exist for DERV; [31696]
(2) what evidence she has received concerning refined petrol being delivered by wholesalers to retail petrol outlets at temperatures higher than specified in regulations. [31697]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 2 March 1998]:The Petrol Retailers Association has made representations requesting that the Government amend the legislation on liquid fuel deliveries to ensure that a temperature range is specified for the future. Officials in the Department have discussed this with the Association and investigations are expected to start in the near future.