HC Deb 13 December 1948 vol 459 c820
26. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that it is the policy of his Welsh regional office to consult with the police force and with the Ministry of Labour in all cases where there is an application for a licence for the sale of tea only; and if he will direct this practice to cease.

Mr. Strachey

Such inquiries are made only in unusual cases. I cannot agree we should never make them.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that one of my constituents has been refused a license to sell tea on the grounds that the police and the Ministry of Labour are satisfied that the need is met already; can he tell me how the police are able to say that enough tea is being consumed by Cardiffians; and is he not aware that it is objectionable to have the police interfere in questions of this sort?

Mr. Strachey

I cannot agree that it was improper to consult the police on whether there was a consumer need in that particular area. Certainly, we should not take the opinion of the police as final. We consulted the Ministry of Labour and our own officers on the subject. That the police may also have a view on the matter seems to me to be quite proper.