asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any further statement about the price of petrol and other oils?

I have just received a statement from the oil companies concerned. I have authorised the circulation of this statement to the Press. The document is a long one, however, and, if hon. Members would desire to have the opportunity of studying the complete text, I should be glad to lay it in full before Parliament as a White Paper.

Mr. THOMAS:

May we take it that the answer is satisfactory to the Government, or not?

It is much too early to say because it was only received for consideration this morning.

Mr. THOMAS:

Would it not have been better for the Government to have considered the question, and to have given their judgment, having regard to the Prime Minister's statement?

No, I think it is a matter of such general interest that the fullest publicity is desirable.

Can the Prime Minister say if the answer is satisfactory to the consumers of petrol?

The answer has only just been received.

Has the right hon. Gentleman information of a further rise in the price of petrol on the 1st April?

I have no information either of a rise or a fall.

Is it proposed in the White Paper to add comments by the Government?

No, I should like the hon. Gentleman to make his own comments.

We shall do that all right.

After having considered the statement, does the Prime Minister propose to make any further statement on the subject?

I think that that follows as a matter of course.