Retailing and Catering Licences

HC Deb 09 June 1947 vol 438 cc48-9W

Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Food by whom he is advised when considering an application for the granting of a licence to open a hotel.

Mr. Strachey

No Ministry of Food licence is required to open a hotel, as such, but unless the hotel is to be run on the ration books of its residents it will require a catering licence. I take the advice of the food control committee and divisional food officers who have a particular knowledge of local conditions and requirements.

Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Food the net increase in food retailing and catering licences, respectively, for the 12 months ended 15th January, 1947.

Mr. Strachey

The figures asked for are as follow:

Mr. Strachey

I have made inquiries about the situation in Sunderland during the Whitsun weekend, but so far no reports have reached me of any shortage of bread. Under the scheme for limiting millers deliveries of flour during the six weeks ended on 7th June, arrangements were made by the Ministry for the issue of additional flour supplies, where necessary, to enable bakers to meet the demands of their customers for bread. Additional flour was provided in two cases for bakery firms in Sunderland under these arrangements. If my hon. Friend will let me have further particulars of any bakers in Sunderland who were unable to meet their customers' requirements, I shall be glad to make a further investigation into this question.