Mr Kennedy questioned the Enterprise Secretary, John Hutton MP, in the Commons today after he made an emergency statement on the impending industrial action at the Grangemouth oil refinery.
The MP stressed the seriousness of the situation, with Sunday now expected to see the first walk out from any UK oil refinery in 73 years. He also quoted the Ineos Chief Exec, Tom Crotty, who has warned of the strike bringing “chaos and disruption for the people of Scotland”.
Given the reports of the queuing taking place at some Inverness petrol station forecourts, the MP stressed the need to ensure that emergency measures ensured continuity of supply not only to more populous centres like Inverness, Dingwall and Fort William but also to the outlying parts of Wester Ross, Skye & Lochalsh, Lochaber and the Small Isles.
And he also backed the call of his Holyrood Liberal Democrat colleague, Nicol Stephen MSP, for the Competition Commission to keep a weather eye on the activities of the oil companies suspected of “jacking up” fuel costs, even while official estimates show there being an adequate fuel supply.
John Hutton agreed, stressing that it is up to the Competition Commission to decide if there is a case to answer where alleged price fixing is concerned.
Commenting afterwards, Charles Kennedy said:
“I welcome the positive and supportive approach of the Minister and we shall continue to monitor the developing situation carefully. I am glad to hear him say that the competition authorities are fully entitled to intervene if they see examples or receive reports of bad practice.
“I would encourage anyone who has encountered artificially increased prices to report the position to me. I will press the appropriate authorities to take the strong action which is needed.”
ENDS
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