§ 84. Mr. HAILWOODasked the Attorney-General the number of prosecutions he has successfully effected against traders under the Defence of the Realm (Food Profits) Act, 1918.
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Gordon Hewart)Proceedings under this Statute do not require the fiat of the Attorney-General. The Ministry of Food has instituted proceedings in one test case. It is not clear what the hon. Member means by a successful prosecution. A prosecution is successful when it fully elucidates the facts, so as to establish either innocence or guilt. It is an error to suppose that the Crown has an interest in securing a conviction. In the case referred to it was established 1267 that excess charges had been made, and the learned Judge thereupon ordered an account to be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Statute.
§ Mr. HAILWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of cases up and down the country in which he might have prosecuted; and can he inform the House how it is that in only one case a prosecution has been instituted, and that in the case of a trader in Manchester, where competition runs very high?
§ Sir G. HEWARTI am not aware of any such allegations. No case of this kind has been submitted to me. I am surprised to hear that competition is keen in Manchester.
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe standard of morality is higher in Manchester!