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.