§ Major CAYZERasked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that Messrs. E. J. Brewer and Sons, expert tea and coffee blenders, have a large and increasing trade from their establishment in Southsea, and that their application for a licence to open a branch business in the 430W north end of the borough of Portsmouth, a borough containing some 250,000 inhabitants, has been refused, although such application had the written approval of the Portsmouth Food Control Committee and if he will inquire into this matter and grant Messrs. Brewer's request?
§ Sir AUCKLAND GEDDESI have inquired into the matter referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, and in my opinion it was both necessary and right to refuse Messrs. Brewer's application. The premises at which they proposed to open are immediately opposite a shop belonging to a serving soldier, where a similar trade is carried on. There is also another similar business about five doors away belonging to a soldier who has been demobilised since Messrs. Brewer's application was received. I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that in these circumstances the decision should stand.