62. Major Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of staff in the Enforcement Department; what is the average number of investigations made per week; and who gives instructions for prosecutions.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Ellis Smith)We have no powers to direct industry to any part of the country—
Major LloydOn a point of Order. I think there must be some mistake, as this is in no way an answer to my Question.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithThis is an answer to the Question all right, and hon. Members will follow it if they will listen for a change.
We are, however, actively encouraging industry"—
§ Mr. E. P. SmithOn a point of Order. Would the hon. Gentleman read out to us the Question which he is answering?
§ Mr. Ellis Smith"During the past 12 months"—[Interruption.] It is all right. "Fifty-nine building schemes"—[Interruption.] Well, if hon. Members would only listen they would see that this is the answer to the Question that has been asked.
§ Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Major Milner)I think the hon. Gentleman is answering Question 66 in error.
Major LloydOn a point of Order. Is it permissible for me to assist the Minister by reading out my Question to him?
§ Mr. StephenOn that point of Order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, I would submit that the Minister is answering Question 62 in a very general way—[Interruption.]
Mr. EllisI apologise. With apologies, I will accept the responsibility for reading the wrong answer. The reply to No. 62 is: On 1st November, 1945, 383 officers were engaged primarily on enforcement duties; an average of about 860 investigations are made each week; the Solicitor to the Board of Trade is responsible for the institution and conduct of prosecutions subject to the general instructions of my right hon. and learned Friend.
Major LloydIs the Minister aware that there have been a number of instances lately to which the magistrates have called attention where these enforcement officers have adopted most unworthy and un-British methods in order to get information for prosecutions, and will he discourage that method to the best of his ability?
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring to our attention any specific charges of that character, we will see that they are looked into.