§ 27. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Food what action he proposes to take in regard to Samuel Groves, food enforcement officer for 798 Barking, who was rebuked on 23rd February by the chairman of Stratford magistrates for improperly compelling a housewife to disclose the contents of her shopping bag.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summer-skill)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter) on Monday, 28th February.
§ Sir T. MooreWhile the right hon. Lady will no doubt appreciate that I put this Question down before she gave her answer to the previous Question, may I ask her to see that this man's activities in future will not bring him in direct contact with the public, in view of his previous activities?
§ Dr. SummerskillI quite agree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman; they will not.
§ Mr. J. Langford-HoltCan the right hon. Lady tell the House where the housewife can be informed what are the duties and privileges of these enforcement officers?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think that if the housewife goes to the local food office, she will be able to obtain that information.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs the right hon. Lady aware that in my division the local food officer has been asked to give that information and to address a public meeting on his duties, and has refused?