asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of prosecutions instituted for overcharging since April, 1973; and the outcome in each case.
Written Answers. - Overcharging Prosecutions
389.
Since 1st April, 1973, 276 prosecutions were instituted for contravention of the various maximum prices orders. Convictions were recorded in 270 cases. Fines ranging from 50p to £50 were imposed in 236 cases, the Probation of Offenders Act was applied in 34 cases, and six cases were dismissed. A statement giving the result of each individual case would be very lengthy, and I do not consider that the work of preparing it would be justified.