HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 c834
3. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Food how many applications have been made and granted to open fish and chips shops since local food committees received instructions to grant licences to genuine applicants.

Mr. Webb

Two hundred and sixteen new applications were received between 10th May and 10th June. Applications made earlier were also reconsidered, and 356 new licences were granted in this period. Another 105 applications are now under consideration.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can my right hon. Friend say how these new licences are distributed geographically as between, say, London, provincial towns and rural areas? Do the figures reveal whether there is, in my particular area, a widespread unsatisfied demand for fish and chips shops?

Mr. Webb

I think they are fairly general but, with notice, I could give a much more detailed answer.

Mr. Shurmer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Birmingham, fish and chips shops are opening close to businesses already being carried on, and that things are going too far in this matter?

Mr. McGovern

Can the Minister say how many of these apply to Scotland?

Mr. Webb

Not without notice.