One of the problems we have been up against in regard to the future is that we get very varied reports from the various sources from which we get information, but, by and large, it would be wrong to say that at this stage there was Any Acute Shortage Or Crisis.

About the types of supplies being offered in times of Shortage Or Crisis, we are told in the letter that the oil company - in this case, BP - would be keeping customers suppliedin accordance with the relevant contracts and established patterns of business.

The House will note the belief of the hon. Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr. Portillo) in letting the market rip, especially in a period of Shortage Or Crisis.