51. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Minister of Food if he is now in a position to make a statement of the policy of his Ministry in regard to the granting of food licences to aliens; how many of such licences have been granted; how many of 171 these aliens are of military age; what are their nationalities; and how many have displaced British citizens now in the Armed Forces of the Crown, Civil Defence or other compulsory war work.
§ The Minister of Food (Colonel Llewellin)As regards the first part of the Question, steps are taken to ascertain whether an applicant for a food licence is a British subject or an alien; if he is an alien who is not regarded by the Home Office as free to carry on business in this country on his own account, the application is rejected; otherwise it is considered on its merits by the local Food Control Committee. As regards the latter parts of my hon. Friend's Question, I regret that the information is not available.
Dr. ThomasWould not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that it is a commonplace in the trade in large cities that it is easier for an alien to get a licence than for an Englishman, and will he do his best to preserve the proprietary rights of Englishmen in their own country?
§ Colonel LlewellinCertainly, but I do not think it is a fact that it is easier for an alien than for an Englishman.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman examine recent applications in the West End of London, where food control committees have rejected applications by Englishmen and favoured applications by aliens?
§ Colonel LlewellinIf the hon. Member will let me know of any particular case, I will certainly look into it.
§ Mr. WalkdenThe borough of Westminster.