Oral Answers to Questions — New Businesses (Licences)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 20 Mai 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Stanley Prescott Mr Stanley Prescott , Darwen 12:00, 20 Mai 1947

asked the Prime Minister in respect of how many and what kinds of, new businesses it is first necessary to obtain a licence from a Government Department, and which; how many applications for such licences have been received in the last 12 months and in respect of what categories; how many were granted; and, of the total number, how many were from ex-Servicemen and were refused.

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

As the answer involves a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Photo of Mr Sidney Shephard Mr Sidney Shephard , Newark

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless an ex-Serviceman is disabled, it is almost impossible for him to start up in business on his own account, and is it not now time, two years after the end of he war, that the whole of this question should be reexamined?

Photo of Mr Clement Attlee Mr Clement Attlee , Stepney Limehouse

That is another question, and I would like to see it on the Order Paper.

Following is the information:

A licence is still required to deal in most foodstuffs, to retail coal or paraffin,

CategoryTotal applications receivedTotal applications grantedApplications from ex-Serviceman
grantedrejected
(a)Food Retailers28,53517,3753,45073
(a)Caterers: Cafes, Restaurants, etc.21,54914,48849013
(a)Hotels, etc.9,3528,2262004
(a)Fish Friers2,08396311718
(b)Paraffin retailers1,1261,126558Nil
(c)Footwear repairers7,021 (e)4,6871,841844
(d)Building and Civil Engineering Contractors46,62446,624Not available

NOTES.
(a) for 12 months ending 15.1.47.(b) for 12 months ending 30.4.47.
(c) for 12 months ending 31.3.47.(d) for 12 months ending 30.4.47.
(e) applications received in respect of new businesses, change of ownership and change of address.