HC Deb 14 November 1985 vol 86 cc223-4W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the total number of independent retail grocery businesses that have closed within the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

Data available from the retailing inquiries conducted by the Business Statistics Office suggest that the number of single outlet grocery retailers fell by about 20,000 businesses between 1976 and 1982 to a level of 36,000.