§ 38. Mr. James Hudsonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Brighton Corporation has passed a resolution to the effect that applications made by persons already occupying business premises in Brighton or Hove, shall not be entertained in respect of shops on the council's housing estates; and whether, to prevent discrimination of this kind, he will consider legislation designed to provide equality of opportunity for all classes of retailers including multiples, individual traders and co-operative societies.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware of the resolution; the matter is one within the discretion of the local authority and I do not think I should be justified in introducing legislation to interfere with this discretion.
§ Mr. HudsonIf my right hon. Friend is unable to recommend legislation, could he suggest any means by which he could impress upon the local authority the necessity to allow members of the Cooperative Society, 90 per cent. of whom at least are in new districts, to have the opportunity to shop in co-operative shops in these districts?
§ Mr. BevanThe selection of tenants for houses and for business premises on these estates is entirely a matter for the local authority, and if local citizens disagree with the local authority's decision they have their remedy, of course.
§ Mr. MarloweIs the Minister aware that the residents in this area can get on perfectly well without the assistance of the hon. Member for Ealing, West (Mr. J. Hudson)?
§ Mr. HudsonThey do not seem to do so at present.