§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy why two Paraffin (Maximum Retail Price) Orders have been laid within five months of each other; and why the earlier order did not anticipate the later one.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonIncreases in the maximum retail price of paraffin are normally made following proposals received from the oil companies arising from their prenotification to the Price Commission of price increases of all oil products. Such prenotifications cannot be anticipated.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy in view of the imminent price increases of crude oil scheduled by OPEC to take place next month whether he will defer the Paraffin (Maximum Retail Prices) (Amendment) Order 1976 No. 1840, several months to incorporate any further adjustment of paraffin prices, or whether he intends to issue a further and third order early in the New Year.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThe Paraffin (Maximum Retail Prices) (Amendment) Order 1976 No. 1840 is already in operation. Further amendments will be made should they become necessary.