§ 34. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the ineffectiveness of existing legislation in preventing knockouts and other fraudulent practices at auctions; and whether any further steps to prevent these practices are to be taken?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am advised that when in any case there is evidence of a criminal offence, proceedings can be taken under the existing law, and in these circumstances I do not propose to introduce any legislation.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on a number of occasions practices of a more or less fraudulent kind have been brought to the attention of the authorities, where thief constables and others have been anxious to take action, but have been unable to do so under the existing law?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am assured that, where there is evidence of a criminal offence, proceedings can be taken.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bill was introduced in this House last Session to deal with this very vexed question, and that it had the support of a large number of chief constables throughout the country?
§ Mr. CLYNESI regret that by a narrow majority that Bill was not proceeded with.