§ 45. Mr. Keelingasked the President of the Board of Trade how he investigates consumer need when dealing with applications from drapers, etc., for a coupon float for new premises.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Belcher)The investigations are carried out by the regional distribution officers of the Board of Trade, who advise on the need for a new shop in the light of the adequacy and accessibility of existing shopping facilities in relation to the population dependent on them.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his inspectors go into the area of the applicant, which is often an area they have not visited before, and make a practice of making inquiries of the applicant's competitors? Does not that lend itself to abuses, and would it not be better to consult a local committee?
§ Mr. BelcherInquiries would still have to be made. It is true that in some cases inspectors go to competing firms, but they do not disclose, or should not disclose, that they are inspectors. If the hon. Member has any cases of abuse, I shall be only too pleased to look into them. I quite agree that it would be reprehensible.
§ Mr. KeelingWill the Board of Trade consider changing the whole system, which is thoroughly bad?