Vol. 474 No. 3
237 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his views on the price of petrol at pumps throughout the country which varies from 55 to 65 pence per litre; and if he will introduce price control in this regard. [2981/97]
I welcome fair and vigorous price competition, based on a variety of prices and diversity of suppliers, which provides significant and enduring benefits to consumers.
Considerations of this kind were paramount in my decision in 1996 to veto the original takeover proposals of Jet by Statoil. Subsequently, I approved of modified takeover proposals which are designed to promote wide consumer choice and effective price competition for motor fuels and other petroleum products.
