§ 39. Mr. Westasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of new retail businesses opened for the sale of footwear in Monmouthshire over the last two years; in what districts these businesses are located; and what coupon floats have been issued in respect of them.
§ Mr. H. WilsonAs I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on the 26th February last, it has not been necessary since 31st 567 December, 1945, to obtain a licence to open a shop for the sale of footwear, and I cannot therefore state the number of such new businesses which have been opened in Monmouthshire in the last two years. About 35,000 coupons have, however, been issued since June, 1946, to nine persons in Monmouthshire to start the retail selling of footwear, situated in or near Newport, Pontypool, Chepstow, Tredegar, Blaina and Risca. Approximately the same number of coupons have been issued to 14 other new retail businesses in the county to sell rationed goods, including footwear.
§ Mr. WestWould my hon. Friend say how many of these coupon floats have been issued to ex-Service men?
§ Mr. WilsonI should want notice of that Question.