asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the profit of a farthing a gallon on pool burning oil and pool vaporising oil is insufficient to cover the costs of its efficient distribution in widely scattered areas, and if he will now authorise a larger sum.

The hon. and gallant Member is, I think, referring to the quantity rebate which the Petroleum Board grant to purchasers of more than 15,000 gallons a year of Pool burning oil or Pool vaporising oil. The profit margin of traders re-selling products which they have bought from the Petroleum Board depends on the price at which they re-sell which I do not fix and which, I understand, varies considerably with the actual circumstances.