§ 7 and 9. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1), as mock auction activity is again on the increase doing harm to our tourist trade, and as overseas visitors with confidence of getting a square deal in this country are easy victims of the technique involved in purchasing at exorbitant prices specially produced shoddy goods 1277 for mock auctions, at times with guarantees that are worthless, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation;
(2) what action he is taking in respect of complaints of unlawful practices at mock auctions in the Metropolitan Police area made in a letter and sent to him by the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am having inquiries made and will write to the hon. Member when they have been completed.
§ 8. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the latest thorough investigation into the activities at mock auctions was undertaken; what was the extent of the investigation; and how many offences were detected under Section 32 of the Larceny Act, 1916, of obtaining money under false pretences with intent to defraud.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe investigation of alleged offences is a matter for the police. The Metropolitan Police has given this matter much attention since 1953, but has not been able to find any evidence to justify the institution of criminal proceedings.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that every one of these sales is bare-faced robbery? I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will accept my offer to send plain clothes men along to such sales where the present law is being broken at every sale.
§ Mr. ButlerI understand that the hon. Gentleman rightly takes an interest in what are called "mock auctions," but we have no been able so far, despite the investigations which I and the Metropolitan Police have made, to find the evidence to justify the institution of criminal proceedings. Of course, if the hon. Gentleman can give me or the police any help, we shall be glad.