§ 20. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Food how many prosecutions he now has pending, as a result of reports from 380 his enforcement officers, for contraventions by butchers and others of the meat rationing regulations; and whether he will now waive such pending prosecutions, in view of his proposed relaxation of the meat rationing arrangements.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThirty-one cases are now down for court hearings. All of these relate to offences alleged to have been committed some time ago, and I am not prepared to seek the courts' permission to withdraw them.
§ Mr. NabarroIn view of my right hon. and gallant Friend's earlier allegation about exaggeration, may I invite him to come to the Midland counties and interview a few of the recalcitrant butchers who are fed up with the present arrangement? In consideration of the fact that none of us on this side of the House supports a system that involves the use of enforcement officers, will he disband that gallant corps at an early date?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs long as the rationing system obtains enforcement officers will be needed. I have no intention of disbanding them.
§ Mr. NabarroThoroughly unsatisfactory.