§ 55. Mr. Austin Hopkinsonasked the Minister of Food whether, in cases of the illegal sale of food, action is taken not only against the sellers but also against those who procure customers for the former, by soliciting orders, which they know can only be fulfilled illegally.
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir. Such action can be taken, and, in serious cases, no doubt, would be taken, under the Accessories and Abettors Act, 1861, or under Section 5 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1848.
§ Mr. HopkinsonAre we to understand that, though guilt attaches to the sellers, no guilt attaches to the touts and no guilt attaches to those who are purchasers?
§ Colonel LlewellinIt is rather difficult to answer in general cases. It may vary under different Orders, but, where there is no offence in buying, there cannot be an aider and abbettor in that sense.
§ Mr. HopkinsonThe right hon. Gentleman referred to a particular Order and case. In the case in question, a licence was issued for the production of food on specific grounds. These conditions were—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is giving information, not asking for it.