77. Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Food how many retail dealers have been summoned and convicted for offences against the Profiteering Act during the last three months, and the average amounts of the fines; how many manufacturers and wholesalers have been summoned and convicted, and the average amount of the fines, if any; how many reputed offences have been reported to the Local Food Committees; and on whose authority are prosecutions undertaken?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. During the three months ending the 31st May, 1920, proceedings had been instituted under the Profiteering Acts against 17 retail traders; convictions being obtained in 14 cases, and fines and costs amounting, in the aggregate, to £367 12s. 6d. imposed. During the same period proceedings had been taken against wholesale traders in three cases, in all of which convictions were obtained, and fines and costs amounting to £77 10s. imposed. During the period referred to 209 complaints were heard and determined by the Local Profiteering Committees. The proceedings in the case of retail traders are taken by the local committees, and in the case of wholesale traders or manufacturers by the Central Committee.