HC Deb 10 February 1902 vol 102 cc858-9
MR. GEORGE KENYON (Denbigh)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if his attention has been called to a series of cases recently tried before the justices at petty sessions at Llangollen for offences against the Sunday Closing Act (Wales), and to the complaints made in court as to the difficulties which surround the enforcement of the bona fide Traveller's Clauses in that Act; and whether he will consider the possibility of including in his Bill of this year some clearer definition of these clauses, and if necessary an extension of the present three-mile radius at present in force.

* Mr. RITCHIE

I have seen reports of several cases of the nature referred to. I find that in spite of the difficulties complained of a number of convictions were obtained. Without saying that the existing law is all that can be desired I cannot but think that any amendment of the bona fide traveller provision contains very grave difficulties, and as regards the extension of the three-mile limit I have reason to doubt whether it would, on the whole, be beneficial.