Poultry Transactions (Hansard, 24 October 1949)

§ 104. Mr. Nally
asked the Minister of Food whether it is his intention to withdraw all or any of the catering licences issued by his Department to those hotels, restaurants and clubs recently convicted of offences in connection with black-market transactions in poultry.

§ Dr. Summerskill
These firms have the right to appeal against the convictions. Until we know whether they are going to exercise this right, my hon. Friend cannot consider revoking their licences.

§ 105. Mr. Nally
asked the Minister of Food if he will make a full statement as to the part played by the Food Enforcement Section of his Department in securing the detection and recent conviction of participants in black-market poultry purchases; and what action has been taken to recognise the valuable services rendered by his enforcement officers and the police in destroying the black-market organisation responsible for these illegal transactions.

§ Dr. Summerskill
I cannot for security reasons give a full account of the part played by the Ministry's enforcement officers in the cases which my hon. Friend has in mind. He may rest assured that the excellent work which these officers performed will be noted in their personal records. Recognition of the part played by the police is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.

§ 106. Mr. Nally
asked the Minister of Food, in view of the recent successful prosecutions undertaken by his Department against participants in illegal poultry transactions, and of the fact that 97W the maximum penalties at present provided for in such cases are inadequate punishment for the offences, whether he will introduce legislation to increase these maximum penalties.

§ Dr. Summerskill
No. The maximum penalties at present provided seem to me quite adequate. The actual penalty inflicted in any given case is, of course, a matter for the court to decide, but I may remind my hon. Friend that the chief offender convicted as a result of these poultry transactions was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and a fine of £10,000.