§ 50. Sir David Robertsonasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that his regulations have been contravened by the consignment of seven boxes containing 49 salmon sent on 6th July to David Kind, Birmingham, by Boyd Brothers, Helmsdale, which was delivered to British Railways to be carried at the Government flat rate for white fish payable by his Department; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. StracheyI am looking into this, allegation and will write to the hon. Member as soon as my inquiries are completed.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a fortnight has elapsed since this consignment was discovered by the Inverness railway police, the Birmingham City police and myself, and that there is a grave risk that valuable evidence may be destroyed if his Department do not act quickly?
§ Mr. StracheyLegal proceedings are not primarily a matter for my Department. The allegation is a serious one and we are certainly investigating it most carefully. Because I cannot make an announcement today, that does not mean that no measures are being taken.
§ Mr. TeelingWill the right hon. Gentleman see that his reply appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT because the constituents of other Members besides those of the hon. Member for Streatham (Sir D. Robertson) may be interested?
§ Mr. StracheyOf course it will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. TeelingThe letter?
§ Mr. StracheyI thought the hon. Member meant this reply. The letter will not appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but a Question may be put down and answered.
§ 51. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Minister of Food the number of fish consignments sent by Boyd Brothers, Helmsdale, to David Kind, Birmingham, in June and July and the total amount of the carriage and cartage charges incurred for account of his Department; and if he is satisfied that his Department should be charged with the cost of the consignments.
§ Mr. StracheyThis information is not yet available but I am inquiring into the several matters which the hon. Member has raised and will write to him as soon as possible.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he has the slightest difficulty in getting the information which he is seeking he should send his officers to Helmsdale and ask any man or woman they meet in the streets, and they will be given any amount of evidence that carriage ad lib has been provided for wrongdoers in that area.
§ Mr. StracheyAgain I repeat that the hon. Gentleman must not suppose that we are not taking action in these matters.