asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he accepts the results of a recent survey by the Consumers Association, showing that only 10 per cent of garages are complying with the petrol prices display order; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Petrol Price Display Order.
35.
The Retail Prices (Petrol) Display Order 1986 came into operation on 1 March 1987. As petrol retailers would clearly need time to make arrangements to comply with its provisions, the order was not too vigorously enforced at the early stages. I am, however, extremely disappointed to find that the survey would seem to show that many petrol retailers are not complying with the display order. Further action to rectify this situation is under consideration.
I would, however, point out that, because of the apparent lack of price competition for petrol, the action I took in July last to reduce petrol prices was of more immediate benefit to motorists than the display order itself, which was made at a time when price control on petrol did not exist.