What has lending money to people who shouldn't have been lent to got to do with a free market economy?

The market was free to do it.

but not free enought to sustain it.

Having looked it doesn't appear that it's true. A quick look suggests that Asda just charge less for the groceries. To be honest I have no idea whether Asda charge less for their fuel or not, I've simply taken what Richard said to be true, so if Asda do indeed charge less for their fuel while at the same time charging less for their groceries then, if the quality is the same, that sounds like a good deal for the consumer.

That is either simplistic and ignorant view or you are trolling and doesn't deserve an answer.

Not necessarily for the producer though. Google Vlasic pickles if you don't know about it. Symptomatic of Walmart's way of doing business.

That is a good point. Often things aren't necessarily like for like. While Asda and similar places are very keen on price, you have to wonder why. What do they do that makes things cheaper. Is quality compromised; who is paying for this discount. So while we squabble about the finer details of the economic environment, I think we both realise that there's no such thing as a free lunch, notwithstanding that these places have taught us to devalue good food.


However, where were we...?

In banking, arguably the market worked. What went wrong was unlawful action by some participants - who were subsequently prosecuted. Regulation was in place, but as is the experience in other places they exist, it didn't work.

Exactly, hence the OP's point.

Yes, but it serves to illustrate why we might need regulation, so the point still stands I think. A completely free market has no conscience.

No what was needed was less regulation. The market wasn't free enough.

Does anyone know the actual difference between filling up in Newbury rather than Reading? I don't do a massive mileage but for me it would't be much extra. Then again, I'm paying over the odds for a train season.

Cobblers. What was and is needed, was effective regulation.

About to tuck in to a Smart Price tv diner for one?

Cobblers to you too.

From empty to full on a 40L tank is 40 x ~5p. About £2.00.

The equestrian special tonight then!

Dolphin Friendly mind......

Your last comment is right but why should it? Put it this way, have you ever turned down a pay rise or a bonus?

In actual fact no, but I would defiantly be mindful of pricing myself out of the market if I was at the top of my pay scale. The more you earn, the more reason to find a cheaper alternative.