§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the outcome of his review of price controls over premium paraffin.
§ Mr. David Howell[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1979, c. 204–5]: Consequent on the vote in the House on 24 October, an Order in Council—SI 1979/1375—has been made which revokes the Paraffin (Maximum Retail Prices) (Revocation) Order 1979 (SI 1979/797) with effect from today, 31 October. However, in view of the importance of assuring paraffin supplies to those who need it I have today made an Order—SI 1979/1383—again revoking the Paraffin (Maximum Retail Prices) Order 1976 and the orders amending that order, also with effect from today. The House therefore has a further opportunity to consider whether paraffin retail prices should be controlled. In the meantime, paraffin retail prices remain uncontrolled.
Copies of the Order in Council, SI 1979/1375, will be available to the House in due course. The further order, SI 1979/1383, is being laid before the House today.