§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received from independent petrol retailers to investigate competition in the petrol retail industry; and if she will make a statement. [75136]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonMy hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Construction has received representations concerning competition issues in the petrol retailing industry during 2002. The Minister held a Downstream Oil Industry Forum in July to discuss in particular the issue of rural petrol stations. Representatives of all major oil companies and large independent supermarkets attended. A further meeting is planned for November, and it is his intention to maintain a regular dialogue through this forum in order to address issues of concern.