asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give special consideration, in the granting of excise licences for the sale of tobacco, to those mobile shops used only on prepared sites on which but for building restrictions there would now be a permanent shop.

No, Sir. I am advised that licences can be granted only in respect of "premises," and that mobile shops are not premises.

While I appreciate some of the difficulties in this matter, does not my right hon. and learned Friend also agree that there are cases in new estates or in blitzed areas where the absence of permanent premises creates considerable inconvenience? Could he not have a special look at this aspect of the matter?

It has been looked at. The matter is very complicated. It would need a lot of legislation, and I do not think it would give a very satisfactory result.