§ 54. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what exact meaning is given to the official term "black market"; and what steps are being taken to deal with it?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe term "black market" is in common use as descriptive of surreptitious transactions in which commodities have been bought or sold at prices above those prescribed by the appropriate orders. The organisation to deal with this evil, so far as foodstuffs are concerned, is being strengthened, but it is obviously not in the public interest that I should indicate in what manner.
§ Captain LyonsAs there has been a black market for a long time in every commodity that the Ministry has controlled, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that no black market starts on Monday?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI shall be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend can tell me how to stop it. No black market would exist in this country if consumers did not support it.
§ Mr. G. StraussWill the Minister keep a special eye on the street markets of London, which are difficult to control?