Abstract: The control includes a base on which a knob, which is intended to be fixed to a control member of the tap, is rotatable to regulate the gas-flow. The knob is associated with a resilient return device which is adapted to assume a preloaded configuration, in which it stores elastic energy as a result of the rotation of the knob in the sense which corresponds to the opening of the tap, and to return the knob to the position in which the tap is closed as a result of its resilient returning action. The control has a stop mechanism for restraining the resilient return device in its preloaded configuration. There is also a timing device with a release member for releasing the resilient return device from the stop mechanism.