§ 60. Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with the charge made against Arthur Warner, of the Leicester Company, Limited, for breaches of the Maximum Prices Orders, because he and others purchased 5,094 head of poultry; and whether he has seen the statement made by the presiding magistrate, Mr. J. K. Kelly, who heard the case?
§ Mr. MabaneArthur Warner (Leicester) Limited were convicted on 41 summonses for breach of the Poultry (Maximum Prices) Order and the Fish (Maximum Prices) Order, and Arthur Warner was convicted on 41 summonses for aiding and abetting the company. The summonses related to offences of buying above the maximum price and entering into artificial transactions. The company on each of the 41 summonses was fined £75 and ordered to pay 100 guineas in respect of the costs and the same penalty was inflicted on Warner. I have read the statement made by the presiding magistrate.
§ Mr. ThorneIs not this a very bad case, and ought not the firm to be put out of action altogether?
§ Mr. MabaneIt is a very bad case, but my hon. Friend will see that the penalties were very substantial.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this company still continues to trade, and will he see whether further action is not necessary against it?