§ 42. Mr. LEACHasked the President of the Board of Trade if the words "present financial situation," on page 1, line 8, of the Foodstuffs (Prevention of Exploitation) Bill, refer to a certain period or to any time at which action may be taken after the passing of the Measure into law?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Major Lloyd George)The words refer to the situation arising from the suspension of the Gold Standard. As the hon. Member is aware, the operation of the Bill is limited to six months.
§ Mr. LEACHDo I understand that, after whatever date is fixed for the operation of the Measure, a prosecution may be undertaken and that the words "present financial situation" will apply to that moment when the prosecution is undertaken?
Major LLOYD GEORGEI am not sure that I understand the hon. Member's question. The words mean from the date on which the Act becomes law and the Act will deal with offences after that date.
§ Mr. LEACHDo the words "present financial situation" refer to the actual date on which the Bill will become an Act?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member will have an opportunity of raising that point later in the discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill.