§ 64. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement with regard to the complaints, made by Mr. George Cooper, of 26, Vanbrugh Park, S.E.3, about certain transactions in onions at Spitalfields Market, which resulted in recent convictions at the Old Bailey; why the London Divisional Food Office refused to prosecute upon ascertaining the facts at the instance of Mr. Cooper in May, 1947, or shortly thereafter; and why no prosecution was commenced until Mr. Cooper had approached Scotland Yard and subsequently his Department's enforcement headquarters.
§ Mr. StracheyThe London Divisional Food Office did not prosecute in April, 1947, because at that time the evidence available was not considered sufficient to justify proceedings. Prosecution took place when the case had been thoroughly investigated and it was considered that the evidence was complete; convictions resulted.