HC Deb 15 December 1947 vol 445 cc1448-9
30. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

asked the Minister of Food, on what grounds he has refused a licence for the establishment of a fried fish shop in the village of Easington, East Yorkshire.

Mr. Strachey

I am sorry to say that owing to the shortage of fats I am unable to grant licences for new fried fish shops in very many areas where they would no doubt be welcome.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

In view of the fact that the Minister's right hon. Friend the Minister of Works issued the licence for the erection of this establishment, that the application to his Department has the backing of the Easington parish council, and that the nearest fried fish shop is seven miles away in the town of Withernsea, will he look into the matter again?

Mr. Strachey

We are pressed on very many of these cases, and this applicant was very carefully warned not to commit himself financially. I am afraid that it is very difficult to reconsider it.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

When the Minister of Works issued a licence for this erection was that a warning not to proceed?.

Mr. Strachey

When he applied for a licence to my Department he was most clearly warned.