§ 44. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many letters have been received by his department this year accusing named individuals of black market deals in petrol; what proportion of these is anonymous; and what action is taken about such communications.
§ Mr. GaitskellSince 1st January only two such letters, one of which was anonymous, have been received by the headquarters of my Department, and have been referred for inquiry to the Regions concerned. In addition, I understand that the Russell Vick Committee has received a fairly large number of letters, of which about one-seventh were anonymous containing a variety of allegations, some of them relating to black market petrol. In the case of all the letters I have referred to, in which offences are alleged, provided that sufficient information is given, inquiries are made at once either by the police or by the Ministry's officers, with a view to appropriate action.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the Minister say whether there is any difference in the treatment, assuming the information to be equal, of a letter which is anonymous and a letter which is signed?
§ Mr. GaitskellNaturally.