HC Deb 22 March 1944 vol 398 c859
58. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Food if he will take steps to prohibit the sale by auction of wines and spirits at prices without control.

Colonel Llewellin

No, Sir.

Major Lyons

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that this persistent refusal to prohibit the auction sale of spirits is intensifying the black market, and will he reconsider the whole thing?

Colonel Llewellin

I think the reverse is the case. If we were to prohibit public sales of wines by auction it would obviously drive sales underground.

Major Lyons

Are not spirits sold by auction at prices far beyond those fixed normally in the market?