asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will investigate the circumstances under which a local fuel overseer for Hornchurch resigned his post and the local council refused to appoint a successor; whether he is aware that 35 cases of overcharging were reported to the divisional officer and that permission to prosecute was refused; and whether he has any statement to make on the report of the clerk of the Hornchurch Urban District Council made to that council, a copy of which has been forwarded to him?

Yes, Sir, I have made an investigation into the circumstances of this case, which are now the subject of correspondence with the local fuel overseer concerned. I will inform the hon. Member of the results of my investigations as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Member aware that there has been a great deal of disquiet in the area about the whole matter?

I think there has been some misunderstanding.