§ Mr. Goldieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, with a view to the adequate punishment of the felony of receiving stolen property well-knowing it to have been stolen, in connection with black market offences, he is prepared to introduce legislation to amend the law so as to make it possible for courts of competent jurisdiction to impose a fine in such cases in addition to a sentence of imprisonment as is now only possible with certain statutory exceptions in the case of misdemeanours or where the charge is laid under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonA fine may be imposed in addition to imprisonment on a person convicted of receiving controlled articles under Regulation 55 of the Defence Regulations, and the police have been advised that a charge should be preferred under the Regulation, rather than under the Larceny Act, in any case which appears to be connected with the black market. Legislation does not therefore appear necessary to achieve the object which my hon. and learned Friend has in mind.