§ 33. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that fines are having little or no effect on profiteering by retail traders in all parts of the country, and in justice to those retailers who treat the public fairly, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation which will make it a prisonable offence for retailers to overcharge the public or to sell food, particularly bread and meat, under weight?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe offences to which the hon. Member refers are already punishable by imprisonment without the 1995 option of fine. The Ministry of Food informs me that thirty-one sentences were imposed last year, and six this year.
§ Mr. HIGHAMWill the Prime Minister give a day for a Debate on this question?
§ Mr. SHORTTI must ask for notice of that question.
§ Mr. HIGHAMCan we have a day to debate the question?
Mr. J. JONESIn view of what is happening in Italy, do the Government contemplate like occurrences in this country? Will they do nothing to prevent them?
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYSeeing the Leader of the House is not here to answer the question of my hon. Friend, whether a. day will be given to Debate this question, is there no one to act as Leader in his absence?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice should be given of the question.