HC Deb 30 June 1943 vol 390 cc1626-7
56. Sir John Mellor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the object of paragraph 14 of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Carrots) Order (S.R. O. No. 831 of 1943); and, in particular, what was intended to he meant by the words "any artificial transaction"?

Mr. Mabane

This article appears in all Orders made by my Department to control prices. Its object is to make it an offence to attempt to evade a controlled price by some collateral bargain which is fictitious and not bona-fide. Whether a charge purporting to be made for some fictitious service is or is not an artificial transaction must be a matter for decision by the courts.

Sir J. Mellor

Why is not the term "artificial transaction" used in the Order, which contains a long interpretation clause?

Mr. Mabane

I think the hon. Member will appreciate that a similar term was used in the Finance Act, and that the interpretation must be left to the proper body charged with the duty of interpretation.

Sir J. Mellor

Why is there no reference in the Order to the Finance Act?

Mr. Mabane

merely used the Act as an illustration. I am sure that the hon. Member fully appreciates that it is impossible to define in an Order what is an artificial transaction.