HC Deb 23 October 1941 vol 374 cc1910-1
Mr. De la B¸re

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the interim report of the Retail Trade Committee?

Captain Waterhouse

As I said in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend, an interim report was received last week and will be published shortly. The report recommends a system of licensing designed to control the opening of new shops and the extension of the activities of existing shops. My right hon. Friend is now considering these recommendations and pending a decision, which will be made at the earliest possible moment, retailers will be well advised not to extend their activities in those directions.

Mr. De la B¸re

While I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for the effort which has been made on behalf of the little men and little women throughout the country, will he bear in mind the urgency of this matter, in view of the fact that there are many millions of little men and little women traders whose livelihood is in jeopardy?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Surely, this limitation does not apply to bookshops?

Captain Waterhouse

The Regulation is not yet published.

Mr. F. Anderson

When considering the recommendations of the Committee, will the Minister bear in mind the necessity for the provision of shops in new districts that have been established owing to the introduction of war industries in various localities?

Captain Waterhouse

No doubt the Committee had that in mind when drawing up their report.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Before any decision is taken by the Government on these recommendations, will the Government's proposals be laid before Parliament?

Captain Waterhouse

Certainly any proposals will be laid before Parliament.