HC Deb 17 November 1938 vol 341 cc1038-9
35. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of a firm entitled Automatic Salesman, Limited, which obtains signatures to agreements to pay 2s. per week for three years for the hire of an advertising cabinet; and whether he will take steps to put a stop to these activities?

Sir S. Hoare

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, numerous complaints having been received about misrepresentations made by this firm's travelling salesmen, the matter was carefully investigated, but no evidence was forthcoming on which criminal proceedings could be instituted. I understand that the company ceased to hire cabinets to shopkeepers at the end of April, 1937, and that its activities have since been confined to recovering sums alleged to be due from defaulting clients.

Sir A. Knox

Is it not possible to secure uniformity in the decisions of the courts in these cases as one case is known where the plaintiffs had their claim refused and costs were given to the defendant, while in another case arrears were awarded to the company; and are these not obvious cases of fraud?

Sir S. Hoare

That question raises a big issue. It is not one of my responsibilities to ensure uniformity between one court and another.