§ 47. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the inadequacy of a fine in cases of profiteering, a clause can be inserted in any Bill to amend the existing Act giving magistrates the power to commit to prison with hard labour without the option of a fine in cases of aggravated guilt.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. I would remind my hon. Friend that the Profiteering Act, 1919, empowers the Justices to impose sentences of either imprisonment or fines for offences against the Act, and that if the circumstances so require, the Justices have a discretion to impose sentences of imprisonment with hard labour.
Mr. J. JONESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that men in the docks who take tea or sugar off the quay they are working upon are sent to prison without the option of a fine whilst these other people cannot be touched who are robbing people of millions?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHave any sentences of hard labour been imposed already?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not think so. If the hon. Gentleman puts a question down I will find out.