asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he will institute an inquiry into the way petrol prices are fixed in various parts of the country and the matter of retailers' profit margins.

My Department has already held an inquiry into petrol prices in co-operation with the Departments of Energy and Industry. Motor fuel retailers' margins were the subject of a separate study by the Price Commission. The results of these inquiries have been published. The Monopolies and Mergers Commission is at present investigating certain matters relating to the wholesale supply of petrol. I do not consider that any further inquiry is necessary at present.