§ Flight-Lieutenant Challenasked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences he has issued for the establishment of new retail businesses in essential and non-essential goods, respectively, since the control of business premises came into force; and how many of such licences have been issued to aliens?
§ Mr. Dolandasked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been granted to retail traders to open shops since the Location of Retail Businesses Order came into operation; how many of these shops were opened by individuals; how many by multiple concerns; and how many by co-operative societies?
§ Mr. DaltonBetween 1st January, 1942, when the Location of Retail Businesses Order came into force, and 30th June, 1943, 2,969 licences were granted for new shops. Of these 2,796 were granted to individual traders, 122 to multiple concerns, 34 to co-operative societies, II to variety chain stores and six to departmental stores, and inquiries made from local price regulation committees indicate that not more than 30 were issued to aliens. Licences are granted only when the proposed new shop is considered necessary in order to meet the essential needs of the public in the area concerned. The opening of new food shops is not controlled under the Location of Retail Businesses Order.