§ 62. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food who were the auditors or accountants appointed to examine the books of Bates and Bates, Hart-ridge and Bates, Bates Brothers, and Chappell and Bates respecting gambling and holding-up transactions in frozen meat between October and March last and at what rate were they remunerated for their work; whether he is Aware that members of the firm admit gambling and holding-up transactions in frozen mutton and lamb; that men can be found prepared to prove these facts; and that for some time after the original complaint the shops of these firms contained mutton and lamb which showed signs of long retention in cold store and was only disposed of when prices had reached famine figures; and whether his Department are prepared to renew this inquiry and appoint a nominee of the workers on the Committee to investigate the matter?
§ Colonel GIBBSThe examination of the books of the firms mentioned in the question was carried out by officers of the Ministry. The Food Controller is not aware of the matters mentioned in the second part of the question which are entirely out of accord with his information. As regards the last parts of the question, which raise the issue of the general policy to be adopted by the Food Controller in regard to prices and profits, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer just given to him.