§ 19. Mrs. Ayrton Gouldasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on the revised conditions for the issue of retail and catering licences, so far as priority and preferred classes are concerned.
§ Mr. StracheyThe system of priority and preferred classes was introduced to help traders to re-open business which they had to close as a result of the war, and in order to provide opportunities for4W suitable disabled people to enter the food trade. Over 21,000 ex-traders have been granted licences under this scheme, but most of those likely to have priority claims have now been released from the Services. I am grateful for this opportunity of reminding possible applicants that the priority arrangements will close at 29th February, 1948. The preference arrangement for men and women disabled during the war will, however, be continued.