§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Attorney-General whether he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions the circumstances surrounding the auction sale of furniture from the estate of Mrs. Elizabeth Dreyfus held by Messrs. Bruton Knowles in Gloucestershire on 19 July and ask him to initiate proceedings against those dealers who have contravened the Auction (Bidding Agreements) Act.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThere is no evidence before me which would justify referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to a request for inquiries by the police. The director has neither the powers nor the facilities to investigate criminal allegations. If the hon.246W Member or any other person is in possession of evidence tending to show a contravention of the Auctions (Bidding Agreements) Act 1927 or the commission of any other criminal offence the proper course is to place that evidence in the hands of the police.