HC Deb 29 February 1916 vol 80 cc896-7
69 and 70. Mr. BOLAND

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) how many prosecutions have been instituted in Scotland within the past three months for passing off margarine as Irish butter; how many of these prosecutions were successful; can he state the amount of fines imposed in each case; and (2) whether his attention has been called to the prosecution by the Board of Trade of a trader in Glasgow for. applying the false description of linen to cotton fronts; and whether, in view of the fact that a penalty of £10 was imposed, he will take into consideration the advisability of securing that equally high fines are imposed for the fraud of passing off margarine as Irish butter?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I propose to answer my hon. Friend's two questions together. I am not in a position to state the number of prosecutions and the amount of the fines throughout Scotland, and as at present advised, I do not think sufficient grounds exist for obtaining a special return. I have seen a report of the prosecution for selling cotton as linen, but I do not think it affords a basis for the conclusions which the hon. Member wishes to draw. The fines imposed must be based upon the respective Statutes in the discretion of the judge.