§ 16. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Food what is his present policy in regard to applications to open food shops; and what are the considerations which influence him in approving or rejecting such applications.
§ Dr. SummerskillWith the four exceptions of milk, meat, sweets and soap, my right hon. Friend's policy is to permit free entry into retail food trade. Applicants receive permits for rationed foods if they can give reasonable evidence that they will establish themselves asbona fide retailers. So far as the four exceptions are concerned, entry is limited to places where the needs of consumers require an additional selling point.