HC Deb 30 November 1943 vol 395 cc207-8
74. Sir L. Lyle

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many traders who have withdrawn from retail trade since the war began have inscribed their names on the Register of those who may wish to reopen new shops after the war; and whether the totals are compiled by counties?

Mr. Dalton

Up to last Saturday, 12,868 applications for admission to the Register have been received. The Register is compiled by postal areas.

Mr. De la Bère

Were they mostly small traders, or were they all sorts of traders?

Mr. Dalton

The vast majority, of course, were small traders.

Mr. Simmonds

Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of the total number of these traders who should be registered if the Register were complete?

Mr. Dalton

It is difficult to say. We are giving full publicity to the Register, and I would welcome any information, from Members of this House or from anywhere else.

Mr. Simmonds

Would the right hon. Gentleman say that 20 per cent. are on so far?

Mr. Dalton

I would not like to guess, but the number is rising steadily.