33. Mr. De la Bèreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of certain advertisements which have appeared in trade and other papers whereby an endeavour is being made to acquire small shops as going concerns at realisation prices; and, since the practice of profiting by distressed circumstances created by the war is undesirable, whether he will take steps to investigate these matters and find an alternative solution to the difficulties of those traders and small businesses which are adversely affected by reason of their personnel being called to the services?
§ Mr. DaltonI am aware of the practice to which my hon. Friend refers, and I am considering an amendment of the provisions of the Location of Retail Businesses Order accordingly.
Mr. De la BèreWhile appreciating what my right hon. Friend has said, may I ask whether he will take immediate steps to see that small businesses are not absorbed by larger concerns? Any delay must inevitably lead to their being ruined and never being able to get into business again.
§ Mr. DaltonYes, Sir. I hope very shortly that the amendment to which I refer may be able to be put into effect.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisWill the Minister give consideration to the issue of licences to small businesses which are closed down in consequence of the war, so that they may 512 have priority in re-establishing themselves after the war?
§ Mr. DaltonThat is a separate point, but perhaps the hon. Member will put it on the Paper.