§ 35. Mr. RAPERasked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions have been instituted this year against retail traders for profiteering; what number of the offenders were punished by imprisonment with option of fine; and how many by fine only?
The FOOD CONTROLLER (Mr. Roberts)I have been asked to reply. The number of prosecutions instituted during the present year against retail traders for profiteering is 5,908. In 229 of these cases the offenders have been sentenced to imprisonment with the option of a fine, while in 4,565 cases the penalty was restricted to the imposition of a fine.
§ 47. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to announce what steps will be taken by the Government to curtail profiteering pending the Report of the Select Committee?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I cannot add anything to the previous replies on this subject.
§ Mr. HIGHAMMay I ask whether there is any truth in the statement in the Press that a tribunal is to be sent up to deal with cases of profiteering?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI said, in answer to that question, that the Government are considering the matter. I really cannot say anything until they have come to a decision.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTWill they consider quickly?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIn view of the urgent necessity of setting it up as soon as possible, could the Select Committee be asked to accelerate their Report?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sure the Select Committee themselves will realise the necessity of doing so.