HC Deb 27 February 1946 vol 419 cc1925-6
67. Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the number of applications for retail and catering licences which were considered by the illegally appointed food sub-committee in Bicester; how many of their decisions have been reviewed by the general purposes sub committee, following the Minister's intervention; and whether he is satisfied that the main sub-committee was justified in supporting the illegal committee.

Sir B. Smith

Twelve applications" for licences have been considered by the General Purposes Sub-Committee of the Bicester Food Control Committee. All the decisions of the sub-committee were confirmed by the main committee. Seven favourable recommendations have been submitted to the divisional food officer for approval, and six of these have been approved. Five applications have been refused, but the applicants have been notified of their right to appeal to the divisional food officer, and two have appealed. I am satisfied that all applic- ants have been dealt with in accordance with the general principles I have laid down for the consideration of licensing applications.

Sir G. Fox

Is the Minister aware that he has not answered the question whether the food committee was illegally appointed? What action is he taking to protect the public against these officials acting outside their authority? Were any of the members of that illegally appointed committee interested at any time in similar businesses to those whose applications for licences were refused?

Sir B. Smith

I have answered the hon..Member's Question. He has merely repeated it.

Mr. Glossop

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether or not the food control committee was legally or illegally constituted?

Sir B. Smith

I am not in a position to answer that question today, but I will answer it if it is put down again.

Sir G. Fox

Is the Minister aware that I have a letter from his Parliamentary Secretary stating that it was illegally appointed, and why does he not know this?

Sir B. Smith

I will look into that.

68. Sir G.Fox

asked the Minister of Food if he will publish a list of applications for retail and catering licences which were refused by the illegally appointed food sub-committee in Bicester; and a list of the applications which were granted by them.

Sir B. Smith

Applications are neither granted nor refused by Food Control Committees, whose duty is simply to make recommendations. I will send the hon. Member a list of the recommendations made in the case to which he refers