§ Mr. Weetchasked the Minister for Trade if he will estimate the number of retail greengrocers at the most recent convenient date, and how the number has changed during the past five years.
§ Mr. Peter ReesIt is estimated that there were 15,595 retail outlets owned by businesses above the VAT registration threshold classified as greengrocers and fruiterers in 1980 compared with 15,246 in 1976. However, the VAT threshold increased from £5,000 in 1976 to £13,500 in 1980. The sources of information are "Business Monitors SDA 25 Retailing 1978", appendix A, table 3, and 1980 table 3.