HC Deb 14 December 1943 vol 395 cc1365-6
7. Mr. Thorne

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information in connection with seven men and three women, who were charged with having 620,519 coupons and offences relating to the supply or acquisition of cloth, silk and suitings; whether he is aware that one of the accused, a Manchester shipper, was with the Board of Trade; whether he has seen the statement made by Mr. Justice Cassels; how the coupons were obtained; and what action he intends taking about this matter?

Mr. Dalton

On 9th December, following investigations by my officers in collaboration with the police, seven men and three women were convicted at Manchester for offences against the Consumer Rationing Order. No coupons were obtained. The offences arose from the diversion to the home market, and mostly to black marketeers, of cloth issued coupon-free for purposes of export. The sentences imposed amounted in the aggregate to more than 19 years' imprisonment, and to nearly £10,000 in fines and costs. None of the accused has ever been in the employment of the Board of Trade. I have read a report of the remarks made by Mr. Justice Cassels in passing sentence. I have removed one of the accused, a Manchester shipper, from the register of exporters under the Consumer Rationing Order.

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