HC Deb 09 July 1941 vol 373 cc172-3
47. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that each Maximum Price Control Order in the fruit and vegetable trade creates a new black market; that the operators of the black market, by direct purchasing from the growers, rely upon cash transactions avoiding all proper records or book entries; and what steps he is taking to exterminate this form of trading?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware that evasions of the types mentioned occur when new Maximum Price Orders are made. The enforcement staff of the Ministry which has been and will be further strengthened is taking all possible steps to deal with such offences, but it is obviously undesirable to indicate what are the particular steps which are being taken.

Mr. Walkden

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that last week a small retailer who has only one stall and two costers' barrows by-passed the market and was able to buy 30 tons of new potatoes, whereas the Co-operative Wholesale Society in Spitalfields Market was able to obtain only 13½tons of new potatoes for over 1,000,000 of their customers for one week? What action is he proposing to take?

Major Lloyd George

If the hon. Gentleman would be good enough to let me have those particulars, it would be helpful towards taking some action.

48. Mr. Walkden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any persons operating the fruit and vegetable black market have been prosecuted; and how many convictions have been obtained?

Major Lloyd George

Since the outbreak of war up to the end of May, 1941, there have been 1,893 prosecutions for offences against the various Orders relating to fruit and vegetables, and 1,844 cases have resulted in conviction. It is not possible to say how many of these cases fell within the decription "black market."

Mr. Walkden

Have they not been associated with the wholesale market or with growers, as indicated on the Control of Prices Order, and is the policy in selecting inspectors that of the three wise monkeys, who see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil?

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