HC Deb 28 February 1945 vol 408 cc1378-9
58. Mr. Doland

asked the Minister of Food if he will inform the House of the total number of licences to open shops issued to individual unit traders, to branches of multiple shops, and to cooperative societies, respectively, from 17th April, 1944, to 15th January, 1945.

Colonel Llewellin

As the answer to the Question involves a statement of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

MULTIPLES, CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND INDEPENDENT TRADERS
Changes in the Numbers of Licences held by Retail Food Businesses in the United Kingdom 17th April, 1944 to 15th January, 1945.
Type of organisation. Licences granted Licences cancelled Net change. Estimated number of licences valid January, 1945.
On purchase or other transfer of ownership of business as going concern. On opening of new business or reopening of closed business. Total. On sale or other transfer of ownership of business as going concern. On Closure of business. Total.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
Multiples* 241 64 305 131 202 333 -28 22,604
Co-operative Societies 157 55 212 25 35 60 +152 16,193
Independent traders. 12,665 5,479 18,144 12,907 4,494 17,401 +743 558,980
TOTAL 13,063 5,598 18,661 13,063 4,731 17,794 +867 597,777
NOTE * Multiples are firms with ten or more branches anywhere in the United Kingdom.