HC Deb 23 November 1943 vol 393 cc1441-2
43. Mr. Robertson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take immediate steps to apply to the court for an order to close the Jays Campbell group of retail furniture shops who have been convicted of a long series of price-control overcharges, resulting in fines ranging from £50 to £2,470, which have had no effect because of the large profits derived from illegal trading?

Mr. Dalton

Between April and November, 1943, five convictions, under the Goods and Services (Price Control) Acts, were obtained against one firm and four convictions against another in this group of furniture dealers. I am advised that, until proceedings are instituted for further offences and convictions have been obtained, the courts cannot make closing orders under the Act of 1941. If such proceedings are instituted, I shall certainly consider asking the Attorney-General, or, if the proceedings are in Scotland, the Lord Advocate, to take action.

Mr. Robertson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the victims of these parasites are mainly people who have been bombed out and have lost their furniture, or young married people, and is he also aware that this group—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is giving information and not asking for it.