Inquiry Into Motor Spirits Trading

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31830, 7 November 1968, Page 12

Inquiry Into Motor Spirits Trading

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 6.

The recent public inquiry into the operations of Shell Oil (New Zealand), Ltd, and the White Glove Service Stations, Ltd, by the Motor Spirits Licensing Authority was to ascertain whether the financial and trading relationship with White Glove was in compliance with the Motor Spirits Distribution Act.

The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) said this in Parliament today when asked by Dr A. M. Finlay (Lab., Waitakere) for the circumstances which prompted the inquiry.

Asked if all matters inquired into were fully cleared up to his satisfaction, Mr Marshall said it was a matter for the authority to satisfy itself on these matters.

“But I can say that not all questions put to witnesses were answered, both companies giving as a ground for refusal that answers might tend to incriminate their companies.” Mr Marshall said the inquiry had been adjourned, and that he could not indicate when the authority’s report would be completed. The Leader of the Opposi-

tion (Mr Kirk) asked if the Government was considering amending the Motor Spirits Act to enable the authority to act more effectively. The Minister replied: “This matter has just arisen and is at present being examined.” The stage had not yet been reached where any legislative changes were called for. Asked by Mr Kirk if the press had been advised the authority’s inquiry was public, Mr Marshall said: “All I can say is that the normal procedures were no doubt followed.”