asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider putting in hand the compilation of a register of food traders who have withdrawn from trade since the war began, or who may be forced to withdraw before the war is over, along the lines of the register that is being compiled of traders in non-food trades?

Information is already available in local food offices about food retailers who have terminated their business activities during the war. It is not, therefore, necessary to compile a register such as my hon. Friend suggests. Food retailers and caterers will, however, be in the same position as retailers whose names are included in the non-food traders' register.