HC Deb 21 February 1949 vol 461 cc1572-3
10. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Food why the sale by retail of certain processed nuts is prohibited.

Mr. Strachey

Because we want to reserve them for vegetarian foods and other essential uses.

Sir J. Mellor

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think it was worth while prosecuting on 10th February at the Mansion House a lady for selling a packet of peanut kernels for 6d.?

Mr. Strachey

The hon. Member will have seen what the result of the prosecution was. I quote from the Press: The summons was dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act on payment of 5s. costs. This was paid by one of the food officers.

Sir J. Mellor

Does that not show what a waste of time the whole thing was?