asked the Minister of Food the number of catering licences that have been issued in the last 18 months, to the nearest convenient date, to persons who had not previously held a licence.

Twenty-two thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight for the period 16th August, 1945, to 15th January, 1947; the net increase in licences was 16,544.

In view of the large number of additional licences which have been granted, is my right hon Friend satisfied that the best interests of the consumers are met in this way rather than by an increase of rations?

We did consider it important that in certain areas, where there was a real difficulty, we should give extra licences to catering establishments.

Can the Minister say how many of these licences were granted to very recently naturalised persons, and how many to British citizens of long standing?

No, Sir.