26. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that multiple and other large retail concerns are buying up or taking on lease many shop sites which might otherwise be available for independent traders returning from the Forces and desiring to start in business again; and what steps does he propose to take to prevent this and to ensure to those now in the Forces a fair chance of re-entry into retail trade.
§ Mr. DaltonAnyone can buy or lease a shop site, but, as I have already stated, the licensing of retail traders will be continued for some time after the cessation of hostilities in Europe, and will be operated so as to give priority to ex-Service men and others who wish to resume their former businesses.
§ Mr. PetherickIs my right hon. Friend aware that although multiple shops and big stores can carry on in spite of staffing difficulties, the small man who is called up loses his whole business?
§ Mr. DaltonThe call-up is not a matter for my Department.