§ 46. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Prime Minister if he will instruct all Ministerial Departments that, when they call upon the people to assist in eliminating black markets and other abuses by giving information, it should be stressed that such information should be given to the police and that anonymous information will be entirely disregarded.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. In this field the police are not the sole agents for enforcing the law and it would, accordingly, not be proper that all such communications should be addressed to the police. As regards anonymous letters, I cannot accept the view that all such letters should be entirely disregarded. Black market activities and breaches of the controls constitute a serious social mischief and inquiries must be made about any information which may help to minimise this evil. At the same time, I am satisfied that those responsible for enforcing the law are fully aware of the dangers of this type of communication and of the need for further inquiry before taking any action.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will merely encourage anonymous letters, which is highly undesirable? Does he realise that with all these additional regulations which come out, more and more people tend to resent those people who are not immediately affected by these regulations, and that all his answer will do will be to encourage envy, hatred and malice?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly do not think that is a fair statement. It would be equally unfair if I suggested that the hon. and gallant Member's Question implied that we should not pursue black marketeers.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIs it not a fact that the police would never take action on what is contained in anonymous letters?
§ The Prime MinisterNot without further confirmation. They might put up an inquiry.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many prosecutions were brought in the last year as a result of anonymous communications?
§ The Prime MinisterQuite obviously I could not answer that. The question should be put down to the Minister concerned.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIn view of the enormous number of people who are affected by these anonymous letters, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.