§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether and, if so, when it is intended to remove the restriction under the Defence of the Realm Regulation prohibiting the opening of new retail businesses without the licence of the competent authority?
§ Sir AUCKLAND GEDDESMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. There is no intention at present of removing this restriction. Its beneficial effects in preventing unfair competition have been universally approved, as my right hon. Friend will see from the answer I sent yesterday to the hon. Member for Edge Hill.