asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to what extent his inquiries show that any additional trading in articles of foodstuff has been, or is being, carried on by departmental and other stores not formerly engaged in such type of trading, to the detriment of the small established trader; and what steps are proposed for the latter's protection?

Major Lloyd George:

I have no information regarding the extent to which departmental stores or other stores have undertaken the retail sale of additional types of food; but I would refer my hon. gallant and learned Friend to the answer which I have given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Lieutenant Butcher) which shows that licences from the local food control committees are required before a retailer can sell the principal foods. In considering the granting of such licences the committees give special attention to the convenience of the public. They have not been instructed to take any action specially designed to protect a particular class of trader.

In view of the very great burdens which the small shopkeepers have to bear all over the country, will the Department take steps, when representations are made by them, to give consideration to this point of view?

Major Lloyd George:

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the granting of retail licences to trade in any commodities—or at least in most commodities—can only be carried out by the local food committees. I can assure him that they are not given unless it is in the public interest.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that in fact many departmental stores have been trading in foodstuffs only since rationing was introduced, and that it is to that fact that the sufferings of the small traders are largely due?

Major Lloyd George:

I should be very glad to know of particular cases, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the interests of the trader are pretty well looked after by their own organisations.

We all represent small shopkeepers, and not of any one particular section.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that most of these departmental stores applied for their general licences in 1939, and is not that the simple reason why they are able to trade in such varied articles as are referred to in the Question?

Major Lloyd George:

I understand that under the 1939 Order a licence to sell by retail certain specified articles has to be obtained, and that licence can only be given by the local food control committee.