§ 26. Mr. GUYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been directed to a deliverance approved by the Church of Scotland in General Assembly calling upon His Majesty's Government to institute an inquiry into the whole question of Sunday trading; and if he will agree to setting up such an inquiry?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I have not received any communication from the Church of Scotland on the matter referred to, but I have seen a Press report to the effect that the General Assembly agreed that overtures from certain presbyteries on the subject of Sunday observance generally should be received and sent to the Church and Nation Committee for consideration and 1686 report. As stated in the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. D. Mason) on 20th March last, I am not satisfied that an inquiry of the nature suggested would be justified at the present time.
§ Mr. GUYIs the Minister not aware that a motion proposed in the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in favour of an inquiry was carried unanimously?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the question of Sunday observance was submitted to the Church and Nation Committee for consideration, and no doubt there will be a report to the Assembly.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs there not a long series of Statutes regarding Sunday observance which ought to be in the report?
§ Mr. DAVID MASONCan the Minister inform the House what his idea is of satisfaction, and can he give us some guidance as to how he will be satisfied?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is not the time for giving guidance.