HC Deb 10 June 1947 vol 438 cc94-5W
Mr. Byers

asked the Minister of Food the basis upon which consumer need is assessed when a decision is reached to grant or refuse a licence to open a shop under the Licensing of Retailers Statutory Order, No. 131, 1945.

Mr. Strachey

Consumer need, defined as the necessity for an additional distribution point for the purpose of avoiding hardship to consumers, is assessed on the following considerations:

  1. (a) The number of other businesses of like character within a reasonable distance and the accommodation provided by those businesses in relation to the population;
  2. (b) any change in the conditions of the area concerned which justifies the provision of further facilities, e.g. needs of holiday makers;
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  3. (c) the extent to which the provision of further facilities is being made or is likely to be made in the future by the issue of licences on priority grounds.