THE AGENT - PROVOCATEUR SIR, — Most of us will agree with Mr. Harold
Nicolson's "Marginal Conunent " on the action of the official of the Board of Trade in inducing a shopkeeper to sell him socks and shoes without the production of proper coupons. Mr. Nicolson seems to see 'no method of preventing such conduct except publicity. The law provides a very simple one of a most efficacious kind. By Section 5 of the SummaryJurisdiction Act, 1848 (it & 12 ViCt. C. 43), "Every person who shall aid, abet, counsel, or procure the commission of any offence which is punishable on summary conviction shall be liable to be proceeded against =4 convicted for the same either together with the principal offender or before or after his, conviction, and shall be liable to the same punishment." On the facts disclosed, the official in question certainly " procured " the shopkeeper to commit the offence, and is liable accordingly. Anyone may prosecute ; ,neithet the Board of Trade nor the police can protect the accused. The
Attorney-General can stop the prosecution, but I do not think he would. The cost would be trifling, and I am prepared to subscribe one guinea.—
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