84. Major NEWMANasked the Minister of National Service whether, having satisfied himself that the applicant is not an alien or desirous of opening a business which had been the livelihood of a soldier still serving with the Colours, it is his intention to remove the embargo on the opening of small businesses throughout the country by demobilised men and others?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe Retail Business (Licensing) Order is so administered that there is no embargo on the opening of small businesses by demobilised sailors or soldiers and others, provided the businesses they wish to open do not unfairly compete with similar businesses owned by sailors or soldiers who are absent on service, or men who have just been demobilised and are reinstating their businesses.
§ Mr. KILEYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this Department is managed by a young lady, and it takes six to eight weeks to reply to a communication?
§ Mr. WARDLENo; I was not aware of that. I will make inquiries into both points.
§ Mr. WARDLEI should say, No.