HC Deb 25 November 1919 vol 121 c1655W
VISCOUNT WOLMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade why an application for an allowance of coal has been refused to Mr. F. H. Burle, of 52, Peronne Street, Aldershot, in view of the fact that Mr. Burle was employed in the coal distributing business prior to joining the Army; and whether it is the policy of the Board of Trade to discourage ex-soldiers from bettering themselves when they desire to set up in business independently?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I regret that, owing to the difficulty of finding coal and customers for men starting in the coal dealing business on their own account for the first time, it is necessary sometimes to withhold the grant of a licence even in circumstances—such as the case of Mr. Burle—where the Department has every desire to help. My right hon. Friend is having the position reviewed again, how ever, in the light of the improvement in output.