§ Mr. GROVESasked the Home Secretary whether he proposes any action respecting the increase of auction sale rooms; whether he is aware that, although an auctioneer's licence is granted on condition that none other than the person to whom it is granted shall act in such capacity, frequently at these so-called auction sales five or six separate persons act in the capacity of auctioneer; and whether, as these sales are often of a questionable character, he will have special attention paid to them?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received no complaints on the subject recently. If the hon. Member has any specific instances which he wishes to bring to my notice I will consider them. With regard to the second paragraph of 2447W the question, the Board of Customs, who are responsible for the issue of these licences, inform me that they are fully aware of the danger of one licence being used to cover sales by several persons, and are prepared to investigate any specific case of which the hon. Member may be able to give details.