§ Flight-Lieutenant Teelingasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of recent statements issued by his Department that anybody may now apply for a catering licence in coastal areas, he has made any arrangements to safeguard the interests of former caterers who are now serving with His Majesty's Forces.
§ Colonel LlewellinAlthough anyone may now apply for a catering licence in the coastal areas a licence will not be granted to an applicant who is not an ex-trader unless there is consumer need for the new business. Ex-food traders now serving in the Forces can obtain, as of right, a licence to re-open their former businesses without having to show consumer need.
§ Flight-Lieutenant Teelingasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that anybody may apply for a catering licence in coastal areas, he has any plans to help to protect ex-Servicemen with no previous experience in the catering trade from losing their savings in such an enterprise; and whether he can in any way ensure that such licences will not be granted to people who are only nominees of multiple and chain stores.
§ Colonel LlewellinA licence will not generally be granted in such cases unless there is scope for the new business, but I cannot guarantee that the licensee will make a success of the business. With regard to the second part of the Question, my local officers are instructed to ensure that the person to whom a licence is granted is the owner of the business.