asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that trading stamps distributed at petrol stations cost 5½p plus VAT per £5 of petrol and are paid for by the petrol station owners and not the petrol companies; if he is aware that this can add to the costs of petrol to the general public; if he will introduce regulations to curtail this malpractice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Petrol Trading Stamps.
18.
Limerick East): I am not aware of any evidence which suggests that the cost of “trading stamps” or tokens is borne solely by petrol station owners or that the system for defraying the cost of such stamps or tokens adds to the cost of petrol to consumers. Retailers are not obliged to participate in any promotional activities introduced by the petrol companies but indications are that where these offers have been introduced they have received considerable support from consumers.
In these circumstances I do not feel that my intervention in the matter would be appropriate or necessary.