§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation that will give local authorities the powers to license and control the numbers of fish and chip shops in their areas.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. Friend is not convinced of the need for this. Hot food shops as a form of development are already subject to control by local authorities under the Town and Country Planning Acts. In addition, there are registration requirements under food hygiene legislation; authorities can take action against nuisances under the Public Health Acts; and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1982 gives powers to control opening hours at night.