asked the Minister of Food why a summons was taken out against a person at Brighton and no one from the Ministry was present when the case came before the police court; who will pay the fine of £5 5s.; and if he has considered the statement made by the chairman of the police court.

I was not aware of the case to which my hon. Friend refers until I read in the Press a report of the magistrate's observations. I have since made inquiries and understand that the local representative of my Department had taken the usual steps to apply for an adjournment and understood that this had been granted. An explanation has since been made to the magistrates, who acknowledge that the incident was a misunderstanding. The costs awarded to the defendants will be paid by my Department.