§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Minister of Labour whether the new appointments scheme is meant to apply to applicants wishful to establish themselves in retail trade and from whom in that case the Department will obtain guidance necessary to reach conclusions without bias.
§ Mr. BevinIt is not intended that the Appointments Offices should normally deal with persons who wish to establish themselves in retail trade, but I anticipate that inquiries from such persons will be received at the Resettlement Advice Offices which will be set up to assist men and women released from the Forces and war industry. In appropriate cases these offices will direct inquirers to the local licensing committees who, as stated by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 23rd January, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) will not grant licences on a change of ownership unless they are satisfied that there is a genuine goodwill attached to the business. The Resettlement Advice Offices will impress upon inquirers the need for caution and the desirability of seeking independent professional advice about the value of a business, and they will do everything possible to assist inquirers to obtain sound and unbiased advice.