HC Deb 26 January 1943 vol 386 c339
9. Major Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has been reached on the question of granting State credit and/or guarantees for the reopening of business in due course by small shopkeepers who, through absence on service or through economic causes due to the war, have been compelled to shut their establishments?

Mr. Dalton

The question of granting State credit to small shopkeepers after the war is part of the wider problem of post-war financial assistance to many sections of the community, on which no decision can yet be taken. As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Kensington (Captain Duncan) on Tuesday last, I am now compiling a register to facilitate any post-war control of the opening and re-opening of shops that may be found necessary, with fairness to those retailers who have been forced to close during the war.

Major Lyons

Will the Minister again reconsider this important point, because a very large number of small shopkeepers are economically crippled through no fault of their own? The mere inclusion of their names in a register will not restore their businesses. Will he give consideration to the present needs of thousands of these people?

Mr. Dalton

There is no decision calling to be reconsidered. What I have said is that no decision can yet be taken for financial assistance to one particular section of the community after the war.

Mr. Doland

Is not the Minister aware that there is a precedent for shopkeepers' claims being considered, particularly after the last war?