HC Deb 21 February 1949 vol 461 cc1574-5
16. Brigadier Mackeson

asked the Minister of Food why a licence has been granted for the opening of a co-operative butcher's shop at Hawkinge in spite of the fact that the local food control committee, which includes representatives of the Co-operative Movement, consumers and the local authority have unanimously voted against the grant of such a licence and have refused all similar applications from private individuals.

Mr. Strachey

This licence was granted on appeal to the divisional food officer. The Folkestone Co-operative Society already held 80 meat registrations from customers in Hawkinge, and we think it right that licences should be granted where an appreciable number of people have to travel some distance to the shop where they are registered.

Brigadier Mackeson

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision in view of the very natural indignation which the local food control committee feels at being over-ruled? Will he bear in mind that the local Co-operative supplies less than 10 per cent. of the meat in this village, and that the two butchers there cannot, under the Ministry's regulations, make a profit of more than £15 a week between them? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if he insists on this discrimination, it will mean the ruin of those small traders?

Mr. Strachey

I cannot see any reason for reconsidering this decision. I should have to take into account the natural indignation of the 80 meat registration holders were I to deny them the right to shop at the shop they wish to patronise.