§ 47. Mr. Nallyasked the Minister of Food what action he proposes to take to prevent former butchers whose licences to trade have been withdrawn following conviction for black-marketing offences from entering into businesses associated with the slaughter of horses and the wholesale and retail sale of horsemeat.
§ Mr. StracheyI am advised that my present powers may not be fully effective for such purposes, I am considering, however, the licensing of slaughterhouses where horseflesh is produced for human consumption on the same lines as knackers' yards are already licensed.
§ Mr. NallyIs my right hon. Friend aware that one of the most prominent figures, if not the most prominent figure, in the horsemeat business in Manchester and in a wide area around, is a man who was sent to gaol for four years during the war for black-market offences; that he is developing his business through nominees who are purchasing shops; and that he is closely associated with a well-known black-marketeer whom, unfortunately, we were not able to convict during the war?
§ Mr. W. J. BrownOtherwise he is all right?