asked the Minister for Energy whether he will give details of the number of cases reported of overcharging for petrol and paraffin; what action was taken in each instance; and with what results.

A number of reports by letter and telephone of alleged overcharging for petrol and paraffin, contrary to the Motor Spirit and Paraffin (Maximum Retail Prices) Orders 1973, have been received at the headquarters of the Department, at the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, at the various offices of the Price Commission, and by weights and measures inspectors. As a first step, the alleged offender has been reminded of the requirements of the orders and his obligation to comply forthwith by reducing prices to the permitted level