§ 58. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Minister of Food why Mr. Burnett Stevenson, who has been a butcher for 20 years in Mallaig, was recently refused permission to open up a butcher's shop of his own there: and whether he will now see that Mr. Stevenson is given the necessary permit.
§ Mr. WebbA licence was refused because it was considered that there were already enough butchers' shops in Mallaig to meet the needs of the public there. As I have already said, I do not want to keep these licensing restrictions any longer than is necessary, but as long as I have to do so I am satisfied that I cannot relax them exceptionally in this case.
§ Lord Douglas-HamiltonWould the right hon. Gentleman review this matter again? Is it not a fact that he stated recently that he was all in favour of the small man?
§ Mr. WebbI have reviewed this case, but I must take account of overriding considerations. As long as the restriction is there I am bound to say that this case has not established any right to exceptional treatment.