HC Deb 25 February 1942 vol 378 cc201-2
48. Mr. Thorne

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any information in connection with two Italians conducting a cafe in Frith Street, Soho, who were charged at the Marlborough Street police court with obtaining 300 steaks a day; what kind of meat and what amount was found upon the premises; and whether he has seen the statement made by Detective-Sergeant Freeman, in evidence?

Major Lloyd George

About 80 pounds of beef and pork were found by the police and enforcement staff of the Ministry of Food in the basement of the cafe referred to by my hon. Friend. Two Italians were prosecuted at the instance of the Ministry of Food and were convicted on 17th February at Marlborough Street Police Court of obtaining meat illegally, and were sentenced to two months' hard labour on three charges, the sentences to run concurrently. My attention has been drawn to the statement made by Detective-Sergeant Freeman.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it possible to keep these men behind bars for as long as the war lasts? It is time we did so.