§ 53. Mr. Petherickasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the black market existing in turkeys and poultry, in view of the Christmas trade; and what action he has taken and is taking about it.
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir, and we are instituting prosecutions wherever we can get the necessary evidence.
§ Mr. PetherickIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the black market still exists in spite of the prosecutions, and is not the only excuse for the control of produce that the public should get its fair share? Is he further aware that this Christmas, in order to get a turkey, you have to be very rich, very lucky, or very unscrupulous?
§ Colonel LlewellinA large number of people who are none of those things will get their turkeys this Christmas.
§ Professor SavoryWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not inform the House that there is no need whatever for any black market, in view of the thousands of turkeys and chickens which are being sent officially from Ulster through the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland?
§ Colonel LlewellinI am very much obliged to Northern Ireland for the large supplies they are sending.
§ Mr. GallacherIs it desirable that so much of the time of the House should be taken up with the claim for private enterprise? Would it not be more desirable to abolish it altogether?