§ Mr. STANTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will at once inquire into the meat gambling operations in Smithfield Market of a firm named Bates and Bates and of another firm named Hartridge and Bates; whether he is aware that these firms have acquired several new premises and bought out several old firms in the market since the War; whether he is aware that almost every morning these firms buy up the Scottish and other consignments and hold the same for a rise; and whether he will at once hold an inquiry into the matter with a view to undertaking a prosecution?
Captain BATHURSTInquiries have been made into the points raised by the hon. Member. I am informed that the firms in question have acquired several additional stalls at Smithfield Market since the outbreak of the War. I have not been able to obtain any confirmation of the allegation made in the third part of the question. If the hon. Member will give me further information, inquiry will be continued. In the meantime, the Food Controller is requiring the firms to produce for inspection their books and details of purchases.