HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 c2099
19. Mr. Beswick

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to institute any system of licensing of retail newsagents.

Mr. H. Wilson

No, Sir.

Mr. Beswick

If my right hon. Friend does not propose to institute such licensing, can he say whether the virtual licensing of the Wholesale Newsagents Association can be justified, especially as they base their decision upon the kind of political conditions to which my hon. Friend the Member for Luton (Mr. Warbey) referred on an earlier Question?

Mr. Coldrick

Is the Minister aware of the fact that there is great concern among a large number of people who have been restricted from purchasing newspapers and periodicals where they choose?

Mr. Wilson

That is a separate point, which has been covered by the previous Question of the hon. Member for Luton (Mr. Warbey). We have no system of licensing the main body of retail shops in the ordinary consumer goods, and I certainly would not consider that the way to deal with such a complaint.

Mr. Warbey

Will my right hon. Friend institute an inquiry into this question of discrimination in order to assist him when he is drafting legislation?

Mr. Wilson

This question is very much in our minds and I think my hon. Friend had better wait until he sees the Bill.