HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 cc1463-4
42. Sir A. Southby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that summonses against an individual for supplying to a catering establishment meat in excess of the permitted amount were heard in camera at the South-Western Police Court, on 16th June, at the request of the prosecution; and on what grounds this request was made?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

Under Section 6 of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, it is for the court to decide whether it is expedient in the interest of public safety or the defence of the realm that a case, or any part of a case, should be heard in camera, and it would not be proper for me to comment on the exercise of a judicial discretion in any particular case. The prosecution, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, is being conducted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and is still sub judice as it has only been completed against one of the three defendants.

Sir A. Southby

Can my right hon. Friend say how many prosecutions have been instituted for this sort of offence, and for black market offences generally? Where convictions have been secured, will he see that the true names and addresses of the convicted persons are published in the Press?

Mr. Peake

I am afraid that I should require notice of both parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary.