asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of complaints received by his Department in each of the past three months alleging overcharging; and if he will state the results of the investigations of these complaints.
Written Answers. - Overcharging Complaints.
96.
The number of complaints alleging overcharging received by my Department during each of the three months ended 30th June, 1973, was as follows: April, 104; May, 173; June, 100.
All of the 377 complaints have been investigated by the Prices Inspectorate of my Department. The investigations showed that 273 of the complaints were well-founded and in 259 of these cases the traders concerned reduced their prices or charges to the standard or recommended levels. The prices inspectors sought, and in very many cases obtained, undertakings that the excess amounts charged would be refunded to the complainants, to whom the inspectors conveyed the outcome of their investigations.
In the remaining 14 cases the traders concerned refused to reduce their prices and further action is being taken in these instances.