HC Deb 16 December 1946 vol 431 cc1594-5
40. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Minister of Food why the divisional food officer at Reading over-rode the decision of the local food committee and revoked the catering licence of the Civil Defence Club, now renamed the Windrush Club.

Dr. Summerskill

The licence of the Witney Civil Defence Club was revoked because the club was wound up and the purpose for which the licence was granted no longer existed. An application for a licence by the Windrush Club is now being considered by the deputy divisional food officer. Should a licence be refused, the club has the right to appeal to the headquarters of the Ministry

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, in fact, the Civil Defence Club merged into the Wind-rush Club and the two have been operating together, and that their application was turned down by the divisional officer at Reading before looking at a copy of the club's rules?

Dr. Summerskill

I cannot agree with the hon Member's statement Normally where a club was formed for a wartime purpose, we revoke the licence now the war is over, and ask the club to make a new application. If the hon. Member will look at the membership of this club, he will find it is much wider than the membership that existed during the war.