PRICE OF PETROL
FIXATION LEGISLATION
BILL READ A SECOND TIME
There was little discussion on. the second 'leading 6f the Motor-spirits (Regulation, of Prices) Bill in the House of Representatives early this morning. Moving the second reading, the Prinio , >linistcr x(the Kt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) said that the Bill had been introduced to give effect to the petition recently reported on by. the industries and Commerce Committee praying for legislation for price fixation in. the interests of the public. The Government recognised that the question was of importance to the transport industry, especially in view of the fact that prices had been fixed for the carriage of passengers and goods. However, nothing had been done regarding petrol, and it had been felt that the mat-, ter could not be left longer. The Government had to take some power to see that no exploitation was indulged in. The Bill, which was in the interests of the motor interests of the country, proposed that the price of petrol should bo fixed by regulation. It was necessary that there should be some elasticity, and it was felt that that could bo accomplished in the Bill. It was not the intention to impose unfair conditions on the industry. The Government had recognised that thousands of pounds had been invested in it. As far as the Government was concerned, the petrol companies would get fair treatment. It was felt that tho Bill was a step in the direction of the control that had been exercised in other- portion?'of the industry: control that would bo exercised fairly and equitably.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. M. J. Savage) said lie thought that the House would, agree that the Bill was on right lines, but there was nothing in tho Bill not contained in the Board of Trade Act, 1919. Unless something were done,' flic public would suffer, and there would bo a monopoly, and, tho public -would have to pay for the cheap petrol they happened to be getting at this time. The public would have to pay the price after the market had been, secured, and the Government was justified in doing something to maintain reasonable conditions) of trade.; ■ •- ; The Bill was read a second time. ■
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 147, 19 December 1933, Page 9
Word Count
372PRICE OF PETROL Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 147, 19 December 1933, Page 9
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