HC Deb 03 December 1953 vol 521 cc1299-300
27. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now take action to make mock auctions illegal.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I can hold out no hope that the Government will be able to find time to introduce legislation on this subject.

Mr. Williams

Is the Home Secretary aware of the damage and annoyance which is done to the public, chiefly in seaside towns? Would not he consider, at any rate, bringing in a system of licences which would give some protection to the vulnerable public?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement of the Joint Under-Secretary of State on this point. The other side of the question is that the abuse is confined to a small number of areas, and I am sorry that at present it would be impossible to justify the appearance of such a Measure in the legislative queue.