HC Deb 01 July 1952 vol 503 cc218-9
12. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Works the maximum figure below which he grants licences for the construction of shop windows to all applicants.

Mr. Eccles

There is no maximum figure. All applications are considered on their merits in relation to the resources available at the time.

Mr. Beswick

If there is no maximum figure, would the right hon. Gentleman look again at a particular application, of which the Parliamentary Secretary has knowledge, which is especially deserving and which has been turned down because it has been held to be above the maximum figure?

Mr. Eccles

I did not understand that that was the reason why Messrs. Suters of High Street, Uxbridge, had been refused a licence. They have a shop front in the front of their shop, and they are asking for a shop front at the rear. I do not feel that in present circumstances this is one of the most urgent cases.

13. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Works how many licences for the construction of shop windows within the urban district of Uxbridge have been applied for since 1945; and how many have been granted.

Mr. Eccles

This information is not readily available, and I do not think that the work involved in obtaining it would be justified.

Mr. Beswick

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some researches into this matter? If he does, I think he will find that the numbers are very considerable. In view of the fact that the particular firm which he has already mentioned started their scheme in 1936 and that everything has already been erected except the actual fitment of the window, will he look again at that particular application?

Mr. Eccles

The record cards for shop-front licences are not separately filed in the London licensing office for each particular local authority. We should therefore have to go through all the cards for seven years in order to pick out those in Uxbridge. I really do not think it is worth while.