HC Deb 19 April 1948 vol 449 cc1411-2
4. Mrs. Jean Mann

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the repeated convictions for trading offences of barrow-stance holders in Glasgow, he will take steps to deprive those convicted of supplies in cases where the fruit is imported on the Ministry's account, and in other cases to deprive the holder of his licence, following one or more such convictions.

Mr. Strachey

Whenever a trader is convicted of a food offence we consider whether he should still be regarded as a suitable link in the chain of distribution, and if not, we revoke any Ministry licence or allocation he may have.

Mrs. Mann

Can my right hon. Friend explain why I had a reply stating that there were 160 convictions last year? Does that mean that there are 160 people who in spite of these convictions are still allowed to fleece the women of Glasgow?

Mr. Strachey

No licence is required for trading in fruit and vegetables, so that there can be no question of revoking a licence. We do in many cases revoke an allocation for repeated and grave offences.

Mrs. Mann

Will my right hon. Friend say whether a banana is considered to be fruit and onions are considered to be vegetables, because there were convictions for improper prices in respect of both?

Mr. Strachey

My hon. Friend's allocation of categories is correct, but I repeat that no licence is required to trade in those commodities. What we do is to revoke an allocation of imported fruit.