Written question asked by Roy Beggs (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 13 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 November 2002. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 21 November 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what information he collates on the average price of petrol paid by motorists in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland; when he last discussed fuel prices with major companies supplying petrol to Northern Ireland retail outlets; and if he will make representations to reduce the price paid by Northern Ireland motorists at petrol stations.

Answer: Mr. Beggs:: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he collates on the average price of petrol paid by motorists in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland; when he last discussed fuel prices with major companies supplying petrol to Northern Ireland retail outlets; and if he will make representations to reduce the price paid by Northern Ireland motorists at petrol stations. [80807] Mr. Pearson: The Department of Trade and Industry obtains, on a weekly basis from petroleum suppliers, the average UK price charged for petrol on the forecourts. DTI provides this information to the European Commission. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment does not collate separate information. I have not currently had discussions with major companies supplying petrol to Northern Ireland retailers. The level of pricing is a commercial decision taken by the companies in the petrol supply industry. Unless there is evidence of "price fixing" Government cannot intervene in those commercial decisions.

Secondary information