HC Deb 26 November 1941 vol 376 c752
57. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the advertisement of Messrs. Frank J. Bowen, Limited, a copy of which has been sent to him, proposing, at an early date, to sell by auction £40,000 worth of stock of wines, spirits and liqueurs; and whether he will take steps to limit the prices at which such goods may be sold on this and other occasions?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware that a number of vintage wines, spirits and liqueurs are advertised to be sold by auction by the firm named by my hon. Friend, but I see no ground for adopting the course suggested in the last part of the Question.

Sir H. Williams

Has the Minister been able to ascertain who is selling this wine? What step is he going to take to prevent a black market being established?

Major Lloyd George

I do not really know. I have the advertisement, but that is purely a matter of who is conducting the auction, I think. Nothing at the moment makes me believe that it is necessary to do anything about it.

Sir H. Williams

Will the Minister make sure whether or not His Majesty's Treasury are the sellers?