asked the President of the Board of Trade how many existing retail businesses have been taken over by the co-operative societies and multiple concerns since February, 1944.

During 1944, 6,491 licences were granted to traders who had acquired the good will of existing businesses. Of these, 1r5 were granted to multiple concerns and 94 to co-operative societies.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of co-operative societies taking over these businesses, it means a higher rate of wages for assistants, and also that many of the owners have got jobs as managers, and are now better off financially?

Major Lloyd:

Do the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given include Scotland?

Yes, Sir.