HC Deb 03 February 1942 vol 377 c1066W
Mr. Naylor

asked the Home Secretary whether the police engaged in raiding premises where illegal practices are taking place are instructed to make additional inquiries of the persons responsible for the letting of the premises, with a view to charging such persons, without whose highly-paid co-operation the illegal practices would, in most cases, become impracticable, with aiding and abetting and/or failing to take proper precautions against their premises being used for illegal purposes?

Mr. H. Morrison

There will be general agreement with the view that action ought to be taken against landlords or lessees who knowingly aid and abet the use of their premises for illegal practices; and the police do not overlook the importance of taking proceedings against such persons wherever possible. Their experience, however, is that guilty knowledge on the part of the owner or his agent is often most difficult to prove.