HC Deb 04 March 1948 vol 448 cc499-501
9. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Mr. C. H. Todd, a draper of Navenby, Lincolnshire, committed suicide early in February as a result of letters received by him from the Board of Trade; and will he institute a full inquiry into all the circumstances of this case.

Mr. H. Wilson

I am aware that Mr. C. H. Todd, of Navenby, committed suicide after he had received a notice, not from the Board of Trade but from the local price regulation committee. This committee is, of course, a body established under legislation passed in 1939, is representative of the whole community in the area and includes representatives of traders. The notice in question, alleging the commission of a price control offence, was sent to Mr. Todd in order to remind him of his statutory right to make representations before the committee came to any decision as to whether it would be proper to recommend a prosecution in his case. It had, therefore, to be formal in nature.

I very much regret that this matter ended so tragically. An inquiry has already been made into the circumstances of the case, and I am satisfied that no improper action was taken by the local price regulation committee, and that, on the contrary, Mr. Todd was treated by them with every courtesy and consideration.

Mr. Shephard

Is the Minister aware that the coroner described these letters as rather frightening, and will he give instructions to his price regulation committees to cease using methods which have a very strong resemblance to the Gestapo system?

Mr. Wilson

What the coroner said was that Mr. Todd had apparently exaggerated the worry out of all proportion to its seriousness, and, further, I would point out that there is nothing at all comparable to Gestapo methods in this case. This is a committee set up, under an Act passed by this House some eight or nine years ago, providing for the fullest representation of all sections of the community, including the trade.

Mr. Shephard

Will the Minister place a copy of these letters in the Library so that hon. Members may see them for themselves?

Mr. Wilson

I do not think it is necessary, but, if the hon. Gentleman would like to press the point, I would have no objection to circulating a copy of the letters in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it a fact that, for this letter, there was a particular colour of paper used, which the Coroner said was blue, and which made it look like a police court summons?

Mr. Wilson

I should want notice of the question as to the colour of the actual letter, but I think it unlikely that that would be the colour used.