RETAIL TRADE. Memorandum by the President of the Board of Trade.

6. While several important organizations are opposed to any permanent restriction on entry, others do not wish to commit themselves at present on this point. There is, however, practically unanimous agreement among these organizations that the present system of licensing under the Location of Retail Businesses Order should continue for a limited period after the war, on the grounds:- (a) that the shortage of supplies, which was a principal reason for introducing licensing, will continue for a time, and (b) that a continuation of licensing is necessary to ensure a prior opportunity of re-entry into retail trade of those who closed during the war.