§ 28. Mr. GILBERTasked the Minister of National Service if it is still necessary to obtain a licence in order to open a new retail business; whether it is proposed to continue this restriction on retail trading and for what period of time; and what is the procedure necessary in order to obtain such a retail trading licence?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir R. Horne)I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply to this question, as the administration of the Retail Business (Licensing) Order has been transferred to my Department. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Order in question was made for the protection of owners of retail businesses upon service in His Majesty's Forces. As at present advised, I anticipate that it will be necessary to continue the Order for a limited period after the conclusion of peace. Persons desiring to open new retail businesses, or new branches of existing retail businesses, should apply to the nearest Employment Exchange for a form of application for the requisite licence.